It seems to me that Jesus was far more willing to speak with Pilate than He was to the high priest and religious elite of Israel. As I read John 18, Jesus refuses to engage with those who have put Him on trial (18:19-22). Yet, when He was sent before Pilate, Rome’s governor over Judea, Jesus was prepared to have a conversation. How come?

Pilate asks Jesus if He is the King of the Jews? Jesus answers Pilates question with a question, “Are you asking because you want to know, or is it just something you’ve been told?” (18:34 paraphrase). Interesting question, says Jesus . . . are you a seeker? . . . or just intellectually curious? Is what you’ve heard about Me causing something to stir within you so that you want to know more . . . or, are you playing the Jews’ game of trying to uncover some fact or admission upon which to hang me? It seems that Jesus is willing to speak with Pilate because the governor’s interest in Jesus is more than shallow curiosity.

Jesus then reveals to Pilate that His kingdom “is not of this world” (18:36). And I’m thinking that Jesus isn’t making this any easier on Pilate. In responding to Pilate’s question, Jesus introduces Pilate to a concept that wasn’t even on Pilate’s radar. A kingdom that transcends the physical reality that Pilate has grown comfortable with . . . talking of a rule and authority over servants who inhabit a different dimension . . . what’s Pilate going to do with that? And what I find interesting is that Pilate doesn’t just write off Jesus at this point . . . this powerful Roman doesn’t wave His hand and dismiss this lowly Jew as a mad man. Instead, Pilate asks another question to ensure his understanding, “Are you a king then?” (18:37)

“Bingo!” says Jesus (well, sort of), “You say rightly that I am a king.” That’s the truth says this One on trial . . . that’s why I was born . . . that’s why I have come into the world . . . so that people would know the truth . . . I bear witness to truth . . . and those who seek truth hear my voice (18:37).

Isn’t that why Jesus talked with Pilate when He refused to answer the high priest’s questions? Jesus speaks to those who are legitimately trying to understand . . . to those who have inquiring minds . . . to those with open hearts. For those who ask the sincere question . . . answers are available. For those who truly seek for what’s really real . . . reality will be found. For those who knock on the door of heaven’s knowledge and wisdom . . . the door will be open. Not that Jesus’ answers are simple . . . sometimes the answers create more questions. What do you do, as in Pilate’s example, when the “new data” you receive speaks of a kingdom that’s literally out of this world? But, says, Jesus, I speak the truth.

And this is where Pilate gets tripped up . . . he asks one more question . . . “What is truth?” I don’t think Pilate was disputing Jesus . . . in fact, I think something within Pilate was causing Him to conclude that Jesus’ claims were credible . . . but the implications were frightening . . . this was not going where Pilate was prepared for it to go. So, Pilate looked for a way out.

I guess if I’m going to try and engage Jesus with a sincere desire to know Him and His ways . . . if I’m going to honestly ask the questions . . . I had better be prepared for “out of this world” answers . . . input that may not fit neatly into the box I’ve created. If Jesus is the Truth (and He is) . . . and speaks the truth (which He does) . . . then, regardless of my level of full comprehension, isn’t mine to receive the truth . . . mix it with some faith . . . and respond to it accordingly? I’m thinkin’ . . .

I want to be someone that Jesus is willing to enter into a conversation with.

Father, keep me from a heart which, though asking questions, isn’t really interested in answers. Lord Jesus, I believe you are the Truth . . . give me ears to hear what You have to say. Spirit within me, thank you for taking on the task of being my Teacher . . . lead me into truth . . . for my blessing . . . for His glory . . . amen.