Then Pilate entered the headquarters again, summoned Jesus, and asked him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” Jesus answered, “Do you ask this on your own, or did others tell you about me?” Pilate replied, “I am not a Jew, am I? Your own nation and the chief priests have handed you over to me. What have you done?” Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not from this world. If my kingdom were from this world, my followers would be fighting to keep me from being handed over to the Jews. But as it is, my kingdom is not from here.” Pilate asked him, “So you are a king?” Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. For this I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice.” — John 18:33-37
Holy Week provides so many rich Scripture passages to sit with, to pray with. They are all so vivid.
One that really caught my attention this time around is the exchange between Pilate and Jesus.
Now technically, this has not happened yet in Holy Week, but I think it’s one we could sit with over the next couple of days.
Pilate surely didn’t understand what was happening.
He didn’t understand what Jesus meant when He said that He was a king.
He didn’t understand what He meant when He said that He was testifying to the truth.
He didn’t understand why He wasn’t even defending Himself.
Pilate stands there, confused, trying to make sense of what’s happening.
And the challenge I have for us is to not fall into the same trap.
Do we understand what Jesus means?
This Holy Week, as we sit with these passages, the question isn’t just: What did Jesus say?
The question is: Do we understand what He’s doing and why?
Let us pray.
Lord, as we walk through Holy Week with You, help us understand. Not just hear the words, but understand what You’re doing and why. Give us eyes to see and hearts to comprehend. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Keep fighting the good fight. Our Lady of Victory, pray for us.
