Matthew 27:11-14 11Now Jesus stood before the governor, and the governor asked him, saying, “Are you the King of the Jews?” Jesus said, “You have said.” 12And when he was accused by the chief priests and elders, he answered nothing. 13Then Pilate said to him, “Do you not hear how many things they testify against you?” 14But he did not answer him, not one word, so that the governor was greatly amazed.
The scene changes to the Pilate’s palace, though Matthew does not seem to care about the details of location or time. His focus us more on what happened to Jesus. As the Roman governor, Pilate had the power of life or death. In just a few short hours, Jesus had gone from the quiet of the garden to the leader of the nation, which only shows further the significance of what was happening. Pilate’s question is straight forward and expresses his interpretation of the Jews’ accusations Jesus and the primary concern for the Romans. There was only one king for them, and that was Caesar. The Jews may have had a king of sorts, Herod, but his power was limited compared to that of Caesar’s. But if Jesus claimed to be King of the Jews, that could be a direct threat to the Romans’ security and the peace of the land. Any claim to power like this would meet a swift end.
As Matthew records the conversation, Jesus says very little, only two words in the Greek. His response to Pilate’s question throws the decision back on Pilate. It is the same simple response he gave to Caiaphas in 26:64. Jesus’ response does not deny that he is the King (or the Messiah). Instead of defending himself, he lets the other person (Pilate and Caiaphas) state the truth for him. Sadly, neither of these persons believed what they asked. It was an opportunity for them to answer their own questions. The most important question anyone can ask and answer is, who is this Jesus? If Jesus would have answered with an affirmative, Pilate would have had reason to have him quickly executed for sedition, but Jesus’ answer leads Pilate to continue the trial.
Pilate turned to the Jewish leaders to get their accusations, but Jesus remained silent. Matthew does not record of what they accused Jesus, but from the earlier trial before the Sanhedrin, they probably raised issues of him claiming to be the Messiah and blasphemy against the temple. Jesus had given them many opportunities to acknowledge his power and authority, but they had only hardened their hearts more. They were doing what he warned about in 12:31 and the blasphemy of the Holy Spirit, who brings conviction. Normally, when people face an accusation, they will defend themselves, especially if it could mean life or death. Pilate was amazed at Jesus’ silence and gives him another opportunity to defend himself, but he only remained silent. The truth had been proclaimed. Those who choose to believe it, will.
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