10-21-09
The Creed: “Suffered under Pontius Pilate” (Part 3)
If the suffering of death and loss is universal, unique to Jesus’ suffering was the character of Pontius Pilate. The creed does not mention Peter’s denial, Judas’ betrayal, or the particular agonies of the cross. The only fragment we get is the suffering that took place under a Roman leader who was not so much vindictive as he was weak. Motivated not by malice but by fear of the crowd, Pilate is an uncomfortable guest in our celebration of orthodoxy. What’s a fellow like him, noted more for mediocrity than violence—neither the hero nor perhaps the worst villain of the passion narrative—doing in the creed?
Pilate is an uncomfortable figure for me because he doesn’t strike me as especially evil. He is not as cunning as Judas. Historically speaking, the man is no Hitler. He was a man with a troubled conscience who did the wrong thing under pressure from the crowds. It is Pilate, with his unremarkable character (not particularly good nor bad) that makes me realize how complicit I am in a God-crucifying world. For I would never betray Jesus out of open rebellion, but have failed him many times in acts of tragically ordinary cowardice. It was not just because of the evil of perverted religious leaders or Roman foot soldiers that Jesus suffered, but rather the unremarkable, even pedestrian wickedness of Pilate I know all too well.
Pilate’s inclusion in the creed draws me to repentance from my unwitting compliance in a world that rejects God. He also reminds me of the political consequences of following Jesus, that fidelity to Him will mean an inevitable clash with principalities and powers.
Before we know the joy of resurrection, the creed calls us first to worship the God who suffered.
Pilate is an uncomfortable figure for me because he doesn’t strike me as especially evil. He is not as cunning as Judas. Historically speaking, the man is no Hitler. He was a man with a troubled conscience who did the wrong thing under pressure from the crowds. It is Pilate, with his unremarkable character (not particularly good nor bad) that makes me realize how complicit I am in a God-crucifying world. For I would never betray Jesus out of open rebellion, but have failed him many times in acts of tragically ordinary cowardice. It was not just because of the evil of perverted religious leaders or Roman foot soldiers that Jesus suffered, but rather the unremarkable, even pedestrian wickedness of Pilate I know all too well. Pilate’s inclusion in the creed draws me to repentance from my unwitting compliance in a world that rejects God. He also reminds me of the political consequences of following Jesus, that fidelity to Him will mean an inevitable clash with principalities and powers.
Before we know the joy of resurrection, the creed calls us first to worship the God who suffered.
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