Pilate has come outside again. All his back-and-forths are over, and his moment of decision has come.
He sill wants to release Jesus, but the leaders go to the heart of the matter - that is, the heart of the matter for Pilate - his own reputation.
"Friend of Caesar" appears to have been a title given to Roman leaders who performed excellent service for the emperor. It may be that Pilate had received that title. If so, the thought of losing it would be terrifying.
Having heard this threat, Pilate finally makes up his mind. He brings Jesus out, sits on the judge's bench, and prepares to announce his final decision.
John wrote this scene in a way that places us in Pilate's shoes. On the one side, there is Jesus. On the other side, there are those who want to do away with him. Pilate has to make a choice: for Jesus or against Jesus.
We know we're we stand ... in theory. We're for Jesus. But we can get around that by leaving Jesus out of some real-life issues.
Reality check. Pick an issue - personal or otherwise, large or small. Put Jesus, and that he taught and did, in the middle of that issue.
Are you for Jesus or against Jesus?
- Little Black Book, Diocese of Saginaw