John 18:28-40
In taking the Lord Jesus to the Roman governor, these Jews take care that they are not defiled . . . at the same time they burden their consciences with the most dreadful crime ever committed!
The apostle Paul gives as an example to Timothy the "good confession" of Christ Jesus before Pontius Pilate (1 Timothy 6:13). However much it would cost Him, the Lord declares His kingship, whilst stating that His kingdom is not of this world. V. 36 should enlighten all those who today exert a great deal of effort to establish the kingdom of God on earth. The progressive improvement of the world so that the Lord can come and reign is only an illusion. If He Himself did not produce such an improvement, why should Christians seek to do it?
Pilate asks, "What is truth?" But he does not wait for an answer. He is like many people who are not really interested in this question – because fundamentally they fear having to start living their lives in accordance with the answer they will receive. The Truth was standing before Pilate in the person of the Lord Jesus (John 14:6). In vain Pilate tries to escape from his responsibility by proposing to release the Lord Jesus for the Passover! But with one voice, the Jews call for him to release the robber, Barabbas, in the Lord’s place.