Pilate did not believe that the Prisoner had plotted against the government. He was convinced that a deep plot had been laid to destroy an innocent Man. Turning to Jesus, he asked, “Are You the King of the Jews?” The Savior answered, “It is as you say.” And as He spoke, His face lighted up as if a sunbeam were shining on it. HH 334.6
When they heard His answer, Caiaphas called Pilate to witness that Jesus had admitted the crime with which He was charged. Pilate said, “‘Do You answer nothing? See how many things they testify against You!’ But Jesus still answered nothing.” HH 334.7
Standing behind Pilate, in view of all in the court, Christ heard the abuse, but to all the false charges He answered not a word. He stood unmoved by the fury of the waves that beat around Him. It was as if the heavy surges of anger, rising like the waves of the ocean, broke around Him but did not touch Him. His silence was like a light shining from the inner to the outer Man. HH 334.8
Pilate was astonished. Does this Man not care to save His life? As he looked at Jesus, he felt that He could not be as unrighteous as the priests, who were shouting angrily. To escape the turmoil of the crowd, Pilate took Jesus aside and again asked, “Are You the King of the Jews?” HH 334.9
Jesus did not answer directly. The Holy Spirit was working on Pilate’s heart, and He gave him opportunity to acknowledge his conviction. “Are you speaking for yourself about this,” He asked, “or did others tell you this concerning Me?” Pilate understood Christ’s meaning, but he would not acknowledge the conviction that pressed upon him. “Am I a Jew?” he said. “Your own nation and the chief priests have delivered You to me. What have You done?” HH 334.10