Their accusation too was founded upon assertions made by our Lord himself. He doubtless had frequently declared that he was the Christ, the King of Israel. His triumphant entry into Jerusalem but four days before, and his approbation of the Hosannas of his followers, amounted to a declaration, that he was the person spoken of by the prophet, " Behold thy King cometh unto thee, riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an assd."
But did he therefore pervert the people, or claim for himself the tribute that was due to Caesar ? No : their premises in a certain sense, were true ; but their conclusions from them were utter falsehood. They knew, however, that logical precision was not wanted in such a cause : when passion and prejudice guide the judgment, a specious plea will pass for substantial reason, and the semblance of truth will operate as forcibly as truth itself; especially where the accuser espouses the cause of the judge, and the accused is represented as his enemy.]
3. The dignity of the accused —
[He preserved silence in the midst of all the accusations which were brought against him ; " insomuch that the governor marvelled greatly*." And well he might marvel, that not a word of anger, or complaint, or self-vindication, should escape him. But Jesus was mute and passive, like a sheep led to the slaughter*, and " committed himself to him that judgeth righteously."
Nevertheless, when interrogated by his judge, he did answer, " Yea," and " witnessed a good confession." "Art thou the king of the Jews ?" saith Pilate. " Thou say est right," replied our Lord; " I am." He would not dissemble, nor for a moment hide such an important truth. He was prepared to endure all consequences, and to yield up his life in the very way that his enemies desired. And, as the Jewish Sanhedrim had already condemned him on his own confession8, so he was willing that the Roman governor should follow their example. He was alike unmoved by impatience or revenge, by hopes or fears.]
d Zech. ix. 9. e Matt, xxvii. 12 — 14.
f Isai. liii. 7. s Luke xxii. 71.