“And from thenceforth Pilate sought to release him: but the Jews cried out, saying, If thou let this man go, thou art not Cæsar's friend: whosoever maketh himself a king speaketh against Cæsar.”
John 19:12 KJV
From then on Pilate tried to find a way out of the situation and to set Jesus free, but the Jewish authorities shouted him down: “If you let this Man go, you’re no friend of Caesar! Anyone who declares Himself a king is an enemy of the emperor!” In essence, these words were a form of blackmail as the Jewish authorities were reminding Pilate that it would ruin his career if he pardoned Jesus. Pilate’s position was a political appointment due to his being a member of the elite class of Romans who took an oath of loyalty to Caesar. The Jewish authorities were, in effect, threatening to inform Rome that Pilate was allowing treason in Caesar’s empire. This blackmail would finish Pilate’s career and even his life. This overruled Pilate’s desire to set Jesus free and he went on to condemn Jesus to His death. To place your career over Jesus is never wise. Commit your way to the Lord, Trust also in Him, And He shall bring it to pass. Amen!
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