As we approach Easter, Tim Chester reflects on John 19.12-22
In 2006, England played in the finals of the World Cup.
Scotland had failed to qualify. So who did the Scots support? According to T-shirts being sold in Glasgow, it was ‘ABE’ – Anyone But England. It’s an example of the good-natured banter beloved of sports fans the world over (though some people chose to take offence). Humanity’s allegiance is much more significant. This is a life-and-death issue. And who does humanity support? ‘ABJ’ – Anyone But Jesus.
Three times innocent
It’s worth standing back to recognise what takes place in these verses. John labours the point. Three times Pilate says: ‘I find no basis for a charge against him’ (18.38; 19.4; 19.6). There’s no doubt about it, Pilate thinks Jesus is innocent. Yet for the sake of political expediency ‘Pilate handed him over [to the chief priests] to be crucified’ (v. 16). He condemns a man he knows to be innocent. That sounds outrageous – but I wonder if there are times when you find it expedient to ignore the claims of Jesus?
Barabbas
Actually, it gets worse. Not only does Pilate condemn an innocent man; he also pardons a guilty man. The custom was for the Romans to release a Jewish prisoner to mark the Passover Festival. Pilate offers them a choice between Jesus – an obviously innocent man – and Barabbas – an obviously guilty man. They choose Barabbas (18.39-40). Anyone But Jesus. For John, this is another picture of the meaning of the cross. The innocent dies that the guilty may go free. We are all Barabbas. ‘Barabbas,’ John tells us, ‘had taken part in an uprising’ (18.40). And we are part of humanity’s uprising against God. Yet it’s Jesus who bears our guilt so that we can walk free.
Humanity’s verdict
What about the religious leaders? At first glance, their words might surprise us. After all, the Jews hated Caesar. He represented the empire which had subjugated their nation and occupied their land. And not just their land – this was God’s land. It was an act of sacrilege. But, when Pilate says ‘Here is your king’ (v. 14), all of a sudden they care deeply about Caesar’s honour. ‘We have no king but Caesar,’ they cry (v. 15). They not only reject Jesus; they reject all messianic claims. When Pilate orders an ironic notice of the kingship of Jesus to be placed over his cross, the religious leaders protest (v. 19-22). Anyone But Jesus.
The chances are you’ve told someone about Jesus and been rebuffed or mocked. It’s easy to take it personally. It’s tempting to wonder if you did something wrong. But humanity has a deep-seated bias against God. The trial of Jesus is humanity’s verdict writ large. When we get the chance, we murder our Creator. And so still today people support ‘ABJ’. As Christians, our response must be to persevere and pray – the story is not over yet.
Meditate
Look, ye saints, the sight is glorious.
See the Man of Sorrows now,
From the fight returned victorious.
Every knee to him shall bow:
Crown him! Crown him!
Crowns become the Victor’s brow.
Sinners in derision crowned him,
Mocking thus the Saviour’s claim;
Saints and angels crowd around him,
Own his title, praise his name:
Crown him! Crown him!
Spread abroad the Victor’s fame!
Thomas Kelly (1769-1855)
