Re:Verse passage – John 19:5-16 (day five)
“Therefore when Pilate heard this statement, he was even more afraid; and he entered into the Praetorium again and said to Jesus, “Where are You from?” But Jesus gave him no answer.”
Pilate is an interesting case study. When the Jewish leaders change their argument from political to theological, he becomes (more) afraid. It appears in some sense, the Pilate may actually believe them. That there was a deity to Jesus. What the crowd claimed to be certainly untrue (Jesus was the Son of God), Pilate may have actually found to be true. Because he immediately goes back to Jesus and asks Him where He is from. It is entirely possible that Pilate “believed” that Jesus was the Son of God. But that is where Pilate’s faith journey ended. Dangerously close to conversion. Belief (required) on its own, is not enough. There must also be confession, repentance, surrender, and obedience. A lesson for us all. Has there been real conversion in our hearts and lives? Belief on its own is dangerously close to conversion.
“You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder.” James 2:19
