Every year during Holy Week we read about Pontius Pilate, the governor who put Jesus to death. Historically, Pilate is remembered as a terrible person, one who cared nothing about anyone but himself. Author Bryan Windle wrote that Pilate was, according to the first century Philosopher Philo, “a man of a very inflexible disposition, and very merciless as well as very obstinate.” In Philo’s opinion, Pilate was “exceedingly angry, and…at all times a man of most ferocious passions” who had a habit of insulting others cruelly, and murdering people “untried and uncondemned.” Pilate was a tyrant, yet the Bible portrays him as an almost innocent, or at least a reluctant participant, in the murder of Jesus.
Why would the biblical writers practice this level of revisionist history? I’ve read a little about it, but none of it is satisfying to me, so I will give my personal opinion: I think that the first century church decided it was better to blame another small sect – Jews – than the super dangerous and violent Roman Empire. The Apostle Paul never mentioned Pilate in any of his writings, nor did any of the other New Testament writers. The Gospels, written 35-55 years after the events they describe, were put together as a way to grow the church when Jesus did not return. And even though Pilate was long dead by the time any of the Christian Scriptures were written, the Empire was alive and well, and they didn’t put up with any nonsense. Acknowledge Ceasar or suffer the consequences.
Yet, as many modern theologians have pointed out, if Jesus is the Son of God, then Ceasar is not. You can’t serve two masters, Jesus told His followers. We all live in the world, and separating ourselves completely from it is generally impossible. The Amish, among others, have found that out. Followers of Jesus are supposed to pay taxes and follow the rule of law, but are never allowed to equate a king or president with God. Paul wrongly told the early church that all authorities are given by God (Romans 13). Why? Again, I think he did this to keep them from violently rebelling against their leaders – he did it to keep them alive until Jesus came back. Jesus had better advice: be in the world, but not of it. Live peaceful with your neighbors and have only one God and “King”. Give your taxes to the government, and everything else to God. Too many people have chosen to do the opposite, and we are all paying the price.
Prayer – Holy God, You are the only one we are supposed to worship. Give us the courage to fix our priorities. Amen.
Today’s art is “Idolatry” by Isised.