Bad politics, but we pray that the good will still prevail

Bad politics is one of the manifestation of man's fallen nature. He rules and influences many times for the benefit of Himself. I have dealt with many politicians in my lifetime and found this to be true with many politicians from both the ruling party and the opposition. Don't get me wrong. Not all politicians are bad, but many are. The Jewish leaders in Jesus' days were no different. They had authority and they wanted to maintain it at all cost.

John 19:4-5
Pilate then went out again, and said to them, “Behold, I am bringing Him out to you, that you may know that I find no fault in Him.” Then Jesus came out, wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe. And Pilate said to them, “Behold the Man!”

Pilate became very nervous as is recorded here. Pilate asked Jesus where He was from.  Pilate knew he was dealing with someone more than he could himself handle.

John 19:7-11

The Jews answered him, “We have a law, and according to our law He ought to die, because He made Himself the Son of God.” Therefore, when Pilate heard that saying, he was the more afraid, and went again into the Praetorium, and said to Jesus, “Where are You from?” But Jesus gave him no answer. Then Pilate said to Him, “Are You not speaking to me? Do You not know that I have power to crucify You, and power to release You?” Jesus answered, “You could have no power at all against Me unless it had been given you from above. Therefore the one who delivered Me to you has the greater sin.”

The Jewish leaders used political ground to dismiss Pilate's fears.  As a person in the sphere of politics, he had to weigh between his personal conscience and fears, and the demands of the people and his political standing.

John 19:12
From then on Pilate sought to release Him, but the Jews cried out, saying, “If you let this Man go, you are not Caesar's friend. Whoever makes himself a king speaks against Caesar.”

They played on politics to swing Pilate's decision. But Pilate pulled a number on them by having a sign in Greek, Hebrew and Latin that labeled Jesus King of the Jews. The Jews wanted it changed but Pilate stood firm. He was then crucified on the cross. They made sure He died. They were going to break His legs but they found Him dead. They then pierced Him. Water and blood flowed. If you are still not convinced that Jesus died on the cross look at every person around the cross and ask how these witnesses could be wrong. There was never a record from that century that discounted this. Jesus died for our sins.

Father, thank you for your life, the only way to have my sins forgiven and be born again.