When Pilate summons Jesus and asks him, "Are you the King of the Jews?" (John 18:33), he doesn't honestly want an authentic answer. Pilate doesn't want a real conversation in which both people can learn and gain a deeper mutual understanding. No.

As Professor Thomas B. Slater writes, "Pilate may or may not know of first century messianic expectations, but as the commander of an occupying foreign army, he would have known of Jewish discontent and accompanying aspirations for freedom. Indeed, Pilate's question has strong political and religious overtones because these were also inseparable in Roman society."

Further, writes Dr. Slater, "Pilate is actually asking whether Jesus is leading a revolution. The Romans were suspicious of any new movements. . . . If Jesus had answered, 'Yes,' Pilate would have had sufficient reason to execute him."

Jesus' responses reveal that "he is not unaware of the political landscape. Indeed, both the Romans and the Jewish elites prospered financially and politically from the status quo."

Wait, what? Are we reading John's gospel or are we reading the newspapers? In the pages of both we are met with violent, idolatrous enforcement of domination and dehumanization.

"Pilate asked Jesus, 'So you are a king?' Jesus answered, 'You say that I am a king. For this I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice.'"(John 18:37)

Here Jesus calls us to truth-telling again. Now Jesus asks us to have courage again, in our personal lives and in our life together. May we find strength to truly welcome the liberating love of Jesus.

Dr. Slater's reflections are from Connections: A Lectionary Commentary, Year B, Volume 3, page 505.