John 19:5 Then came Jesus forth, wearing the crown of thorns, and the purple robe. And Pilate said to them, Behold the man! Weakness is sometimes not much better than wickedness. It places a man at the disposal of other weaknesses — Ahab, Pilate. We have here — I. AN APPEAL FOR PITY FOR CHRIST. It was this; not a mocking. Pilate was anxious to get Christ off. It was not to aggravate Christ's misery, but to excite the compassion of His foes. Pity — 1. For a prisoner. 2. For a prisoner unjustly accused. 3. For a prisoner whose sufferings and shame men enhanced by cruel mocking. Dressed up as a king. And yet He was one. Men can only caricature the reality of Christ and Christianity. II. AN APPEAL FROM PILATE TO THE JEWS. 1. From Pilate. (1) An old soldier. (2) A heathen. (3) One who despaired of truth. 2. To the Jews — (1) To whom He came. (2) Who had opportunity to test His claims. (3) Who were convinced of them, but rejected Him, because He was not the rebel they wanted. III. AN APPEAL FROM ONE WHO NEVERTHELESS PUT CHRIST TO DEATH. Pilate did his utmost to save Jesus, with one exception, his own interest. He tried by expression of his own conviction, by delay, by solemn acts, by appeal to justice and to pity. He would not endanger self. So now men may feel for Christ — do much for Him — reprove others, and yet stop short at sacrifice. — 1. Of worldly interests. 2. Of sinful lusts. (A. J. Morris.) Parallel Verses KJV: Then came Jesus forth, wearing the crown of thorns, and the purple robe. And Pilate saith unto them, Behold the man! |
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