In this series we’re considering the statements made by Pilate, the judge at the trial of the Lord Jesus. Pilate probably didn’t intend his words to be profound, but they are!

We hope you find them interesting and thought-provoking.

[Pilate] went again into the Praetorium, and said to Jesus, “Where are You from?” But Jesus gave him no answer. ( John 19:9)

Where are you from? This is a question we often ask someone we have just met and are trying to make conversation with. The answer is often of little consequence to us, but when Pilate asked the Lord Jesus the same question, he asked it in fear and in great eagerness to learn the answer.

The reason for this is that, not only did Pilate not know where Jesus was from, he didn’t really understand who Jesus was at all. He was therefore quizzing Him in order to try to make sense of this Jesus of Nazareth – a Man who claimed to be the Son of God!

When Jesus didn’t answer Pilate’s question, Pilate declared his legal authority over Christ in a vain attempt to either impress or scare Him into revealing his origin. This demonstrates even further that Pilate doesn’t know who he is speaking to – Jesus is in fact from a place which gives Him more authority over earth than Pilate can even imagine – Heaven. It is a place that is so wonderful that we, like Pilate, cannot fully appreciate it.

If Jesus came from this wonderful place called Heaven, then what was He doing down here on earth?

He came down here as a human being, lived a completely sinless life, allowed Himself to be crucified, rose from the dead and then ascended back to Heaven. He did this so that He could provide any one of us with a fulfilling life on earth, and eternal life in Heaven – no matter where we are from. All an individual has to do is put their faith in Him.

“I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” (John 10:10)