Matthew 27:11-14: The Truth Gives No Answer

“You have said so.” (Jesus’ reply when Pilate asked Him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” in Matthew 27:11)

Hungarian artist Mihály Munkácsy’s "Christ Before Pilate," 1882

“Behold my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen, in whom My soul delights; I have put My Spirit upon Him; He will bring forth justice to the nations.  He will not cry aloud or lift up His voice, or make it heard in the street.” (Isaiah 42:1-2)

One day I'm sure you’ll break your silence and speak just to me. But I feel like time's running out.  My heart is, my heart is filling with doubt…others seem to have your ear but never will I.  Have I displeased you somehow?  Can't help, can't help feeling left out.  (Todd Rungren, God Said)

The scene shifts again and continues where Matthew left off after verse 2.  Having been bound, led away and delivered, now Jesus stood before the governor (v. 11).  It was probably in the pre-dawn hours (see John 18:28).  We learn from Luke’s account that “the whole company” of chief priests and elders “brought Jesus before Pilate,” (Luke 23:1).

They had already determined that Jesus was worthy of death (26:65-66) but by law they could not execute Jesus, only the occupying Roman government could (see John 18:31).  And secular Rome would not execute a man for the charge of blasphemy.  So the chief priests and elders had to persuade Pilate that Jesus was a threat to Roman rule. 

 “And they began to accuse him, saying, ‘We found this man misleading our nation and forbidding us to give tribute to Caesar, and saying that He Himself is Christ, a king,’” (Luke 23:2). In fact, the exact opposite had happened.  In spite of their efforts to trap Him earlier in the week, Jesus had said, “render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s,” (22:21).   And when the crowd wanted to make Jesus their king, he declined and withdrew (see John 6:15).  Exactly like earlier before Caiaphas, in order to have Jesus accused of a capital offense, the chief priests and elders broke the Law of Moses and bore false witness (see Exodus 20:16).   It is no wonder He gave no answer (v. 12) to these totally bogus accusations.

Then Pilate the governor turned to Jesus and asked him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” Jesus, finally being confronted with a true accusation, broke His silence and said, “You have said so,” (v. 11).  (These same words Jesus said in 26:64 to Caiaphas and in 26:25 to Judas.) Then Pilate said to him, “Do you not hear how many things they testify against you?” (v. 13).  Pilate was used to others desperately countering the charges against them or begging for mercy or even for their lives.    But when Jesus gave him no answer, not even to a single charge, Pilate was greatly amazed (v. 14).

Now John picks up the narrative chronologically.   Pilate then pulls Christ aside for a private conversation (John 18:33).   It was a one-way conversation; all the significant talk comes from Jesus.  Pilate hears quite an advanced Christology from Jesus in John 18:36-37.  He speaks of Himself as the warrior Messiah and King (see Psalm 110) and the conquering heavenly Messiah of Revelation 19.  Jesus also speaks of Himself as the Incarnate Truth of John 1:14 and John 14:6. 

Pilate has no categories for these kinds of claims; his pagan mind cannot grasp what Jesus has said.  The one charged with deciding truth in this matter is confused and not even sure if truth exists.  Pilate turns to the Truth and ironically asks, “What is truth?” (John 18:38).  Pilate, in his spiritual blindness, does not wait for the answer. 

Luke tells us what happened next.  When Pilate heard Jesus was from Galilee and therefore part of Herod’s jurisdiction, Pilate sent Jesus over to Herod who happened to then be in Jerusalem (see Luke 23:7-11).  Herod was very glad to see Jesus because “he was hoping to see some sign done by Him,” (Luke 23:8). Once again, a whole gaggle of chief priests and scribes followed and were vehemently accusing Jesus.  Herod questioned Jesus at some length but Jesus “made no answer,” (Luke 23:9).  Then Herod and his soldiers mockingly put a fine robe on Jesus and sent Him back to Pilate.   

We worship not a criminal, not a mere man, not a mere prophet.   But we worship the Way the Truth and the Life.   He need not answer to hard-hearts and lies.   His miracles, His claims, His resurrection and soon His return, all prove He is who He claims to be.     God’s plan is unfolding in His timing.  Wait.  Let not your heart be troubled.   Believe on Him.