Jesus was put to death by both religious and political authorities. The Gospel accounts of his trial include exchanges with Pontius Pilate, the Roman Governor whose name now echoes down the centuries through his place in the Creed: ‘he suffered under Pontius Pilate.’ Jesus tells Pilate that ‘his kingdom is not of this world.’ If it did belong to this world ‘my servants would be fighting.’ ‘Are you a King?’ said Pilate. ‘King is your word,’ says Jesus. ‘My task is to bear witness to the truth.’
Who is Jesus?
When Jesus dies in the hideous agony of crucifixion the reason for his criminal’s death is nailed over his head – ‘Jesus of Nazareth, the king of the Jews.’ Who is this Jesus? A political threat to the kingdoms of this world and to Roman authority in particular. Who is Jesus?
Read the complete Easter message of bishop Geoffrey Gibraltar (new window)
