The power of truth in cultural bubbles

Pilate didn't really want to find Jesus guilty. He didn't want to find him innocent either. He just didn't care.

In Pilate's cultural bubble, the "truth" was to find some way to get Jesus off his hands -- after all, he was a busy man and had more important things to attend to. So when he found out that Jesus was Galilean, he was relieved to foist Jesus onto Herod...

In Herod's cultural bubble, the "truth" was -- wow -- I've heard about this Jesus; bring him to me so I can see a miracle or two. But Jesus wouldn't comply. In fact, he said nothing. This was deeply irritating to Herod, so he had Jesus ridiculed and mocked ... and foisted him back on Pilate.

This time Pilate -- (good grief! Him again!??) -- this time the "truth" in Pilate's cultural bubble was simply to release him. Maybe punish him a little to satisfy the Jews, and then release him.

But for the Jews in their cultural bubble, claiming you are the son of God equals the death sentence. So to have Jesus punished and released was of course not enough. He must die. That was the "truth" in their cultural bubble.

So, finally, the "truth" in Pilate's cultural bubble was to accede to the Jews' wishes ...

In Pilate's case, Herod's case, and the Jews' case, the TRUE truth -- the bubble-less truth that the Son of God was actually standing before them -- never even occurred to any of them. All they were after was to each affirm the "truth" in their cultural bubbles.

And Jesus discerned this; he knew by this point in the process telling them the bubble-less truth was pointless. So he said very little.

This is quite remarkable, given that Jesus earlier told his disciples that, when they are brought before the authorities for their faith,"I will give you words and wisdom none of your adversaries will be able to resist ..."

But Jesus himself didn't say much in answer to his accusers, all busy trying to affirm their versions of truth.

Such is the power of truth in cultural bubbles.

Logos2Go

Luke 23.6-7 On hearing this, Pilate asked if the man was a Galilean. When he learned that Jesus was under Herod's jurisdiction, he sent him to Herod, who was also in Jerusalem at that time.

Luke 23.8-9 When Herod saw Jesus, he was greatly pleased, because for a long time he had been wanting to see him. From what he had heard about him, he hoped to see him perform some miracle. He plied him with many questions, but Jesus gave him no answer.

Luke 23.11 Then Herod and his soldiers ridiculed and mocked him. Dressing him in an elegant robe, they sent him back to Pilate.

Luke 23.20-21 Wanting to release Jesus, Pilate appealed to them again. But they kept shouting, "Crucify him! Crucify him!"

Luke 23.24 So Pilate decided to grant their demand ...

Luke 21.12-15 ... they will lay hands on you and persecute you. They will deliver you to synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors, and all on account of my name. This will result in your being witnesses to them. But make up your mind not to worry beforehand how you will defend yourselves. For I will give you words and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict.