handed you over to me. What have you done?” Jesus answered, “My kingship does not come from this world. If I were king like those of
this world, my servants would have fought to save me from being handed over to the Jews. But my kingship is not of this world.” Pilate asked him, “So
you are a king?” And Jesus answered, “Just as you say, I am a king. For this I was born and for this I have come into the world, to bear witness to the truth.
Everyone who is on the side of truth hears my voice.” “Just as you say, I am a king. For this I was born and for this I have come into the world, to bear witness
to the truth.

Lectio Divina

READ: The conversation between Jesus and Pilate did not go well. The latter
misunderstood Jesus big time. Thus, his talk with Jesus did not get him near
the truth. Jesus however had to continue telling the truth about Himself, even
though He knew He was digging His own grave with His words.

REFLECT: When two people do not speak on the same level, misunderstanding
upon misunderstanding follow suit. Pilate may have felt slighted at how Jesus
seemed indifferent in front of him. After all, he has the power to set Him free or
condemn Him. Jesus instead of being cold towards him should rather exert effort
to carry favor from him. Yet Jesus answers as if He is in control of everything.
This attitude probably affected Pilate’s decision. If Jesus seemed unconcerned
about His life, why should he, the governor of Judea and the representative
of the mighty Roman empire bother. And so, seeking the easy way out, Pilate
condemned Jesus to death at the instigation of the religious and political elites
of Israel during that time. Despite the uneasiness in his heart, he wants to deal
with this irritant as soon as possible.

RESPOND: Are we patient enough to seek for the truth or like Pilate we just
want to deal with it as soon as possible? Many just persons were condemned
hastily because of impatience and our weakness to resist external pressure.
Let us pray for patience that we may have more strength to dedicate time in
finding out the truth.