John 19:12

‘On this Pilate sought to release him.'

Up to this point Pilate had been consistent in his view. He had examined Jesus and constantly declared Him without blemish. He did not think that this man was a troublemaker or insurrectionist, and he did not care whether he was a blasphemer against the Jewish religion. He wanted to be awkward with the Jewish leaders. And he was also a little uneasy about the man. So he still did not want to give way. Subconsciously he must surely have recognised that to give way would actually undermine the authority he had so proudly claimed. So he again voiced his doubts to the accusers.

But now came the crunch. Up to now both sides had tried to put on a facade of justice. Had they succeeded the real truth may never have come to the fore, but now justice became irrelevant. It became a matter of political threat and negotiation.

‘But the Judaisers cried out saying, “If you release this man you are not Caesar's friend. Everyone who makes himself a king speaks against Caesar.” '

They had kept their final threats until last. First they had hoped for a quick ratification of their own ‘findings'. Then they had hoped Jesus would say something foolish. Then they had hoped that Pilate would give way under their pressure. But each time Pilate had come back with the ‘not guilty' verdict. So they felt that now they had no choice but to apply the final threat. If he let Jesus go they would report him to Caesar as having let go someone who claimed to set himself up against Caesar.

It was a despicable position to take. Had Jesus positively been seeking to raise an insurrection they might have had a case. But they knew, and Pilate knew, that that was not so. He knew that they hated Jesus because He was not  their  friend. They really did not care whether he was Caesar's friend or not.

‘You are not Caesar's friend.' Later the title of ‘Caesar's Friend' was an honour given to men who were seen as loyal to Caesar and worthy of his commendation. There is evidence to suggest that it was used at this time. Thus it may be that Pilate bore the title and was charged with being unfaithful to it. But whether that is so or not the same implication was there.

That suggestion made him stop and think. What could he now do? However false the report sent in it would cause an investigation, and there were some things he did not want investigated. He could be called to Rome. He could simply be replaced as inefficient and incapable. Anything could happen. And all he had to do to save himself was let this man be crucified, like hundreds of others. And he could get his revenge later. For they must surely realise he would never forgive them