The Jews accusation that Jesus "made himself the Son of God" struck fear into Pilate's heart. Throughout the trial, he had heard about Jesus's claims of being a king, which the Jews asserted was rebellion against Caesar. Pilate was unmoved by the evident bias in the accusations of the Jewish religious leaders. When his appeals for the apparent innocence of the young rabbi fell on deaf ears, Pilate's main concern was to avoid a ruckus that would bring Caesar's notice and displeasure.
But when they spoke about diety, it became another matter. Was it because of the Roman belief in many gods, who were believed to sometimes present themselves as mortals? Were his superstitions stirred by his wife's dreams, and her warning that he have nothing to do with "this just man"?
"Behold the man!" Was it a cry to make the Jews stop and think about what they were doing? Did he hope that if they observed the punishment Jesus had already suffered, they might be satisfied? Was he backpeddling, suddenly afraid of his prior indifference and the escalation of passions?
How often do I neglect, or run roughshod over my conscience and the conviction of the Holy Spirit? Whether driven by pride or passion--or just plain passivity--how great is the loss when I allow the momentum of circumstances to take me out of God's will! May I be willing to 'put on the brakes', and instantly, completely obey the direction of the Spirit.
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