As we saw last time, the hearing before the Sanhedrin was not a formal trial (they had no authority to execute anyone). Rather it was a hearing to formulate the charges that they would bring before Pilate.
After hearing Jesus' “blasphemy” claiming to be the Christ, the Son of God, they promptly translate this into a political charge for Pilate. After all, the Meshiach was a political figure – the king who would restore the kingdom – and as such Jesus would be seen as a potential revolutionary in the eyes of Rome.
Philo of Alexandria describes Pilate as “naturally inflexible, a blend of self-will and restlessness”.
Brutal repression was his style – and he was not particularly fond of the Jewish leadership.
Therefore the consultation among the members of the Sanhedrin was necessary in order to devise a strategy that could accomplish their purpose.
Now in front of the Sanhedrin Jesus had openly affirmed that he was the Christ. But here before Pilate, he takes a more cautious route. In one sense by admitting that he is the Christ he has already claimed to be King of the Jews.
But to Pilate he provides an equivocal answer: after all, he is not claiming to be a political rival to Rome. When Pilate says “King of the Jews” he is thinking of a political insurrection.
But Jesus does not encourage that interpretation of his kingship...
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