Why would Jesus answer Pilate's question in the affirmative here, saying he's the "king of the Jews"? In Pilate's world, to be king was to be emperor... Caesar. While we don't get the tone of his voice in his asking, I can hear a smirk of sarcasm and a laugh that would indicate how ridiculous Pilate thinks the whole business is. He's a practical man, and doesn't necessarily want Jesus crucified, but he doesn't much care either. He's a political leader and the politician has to please the people. He has an angry crowd outside who are demanding blood, and he needs to make a decision. He doesn't see Jesus as a criminal, or one deserving to be prosecuted, and he's trying to give Jesus an out. He'd even be happy to give the crowd Barabbas after not getting much help from Jesus. But his question lingers: "are you the king of the Jews"... and there's one other thing about the Roman emperor/king that was assumed-- that he was divine. For Jesus to say he's king means that he claims divine status for himself. While Pilate laughs, he has no idea what Jesus is talking about. Jesus remains silent because he knows that he and Pilate do not speak the same language. Pilate wants to hear a legal defense. Jesus only wants to speak a truth that can be spoken in a tongue unfamiliar to Pilate. The silence remains. But the crowd isn't silent. The crowd clamors for Jesus' life. Even when Pilate asks them for a legal reason, they too won't speak in Pilate's terms, so they just shout "Crucify him!" So Pilate washes his hands of the whole mess. He doesn't understand... cannot understand... and relieves himself of the duty and responsibility, but goes ahead and executes Jesus on their behalf.
Readings: Numbers 15:17-16:40; Mark 15:1-47; Psalm 54:1-7; Proverbs 11:5-6
