Mark 15:2 “Then Pilate asked Him, “Are You the King of the Jews?” He answered and said to him, “It is as you say.”
Jesus did not hide his identity. Pilate asked a direct question. He didn’t have to have witnesses like the Jews. If he thought Jesus was guilty, then he was. If he thought he was innocent, then he was. So, he examined him much like a judge would in lower courts. Since Jesus was not a Roman citizen, he had no real rights before a Roman official like Pilate.
And why did Pilate ask this? He was looking for things that would be offensive to Rome. Claiming to be the Jew’s king would go against Herod, and Herod was in power by the will of the Romans. Jesus could be in a lot of trouble for trying to usurp Herod. However, seeing as Christ did not have violence on his record, Pilate was evidently not very concerned by Jesus’ claim. Troublemakers tend to make trouble. Jesus didn’t make trouble, it followed him. Pilate knew why the Jewish leaders had condemned Christ.
Heavenly Father, thank you for loving us! It is the joy of our life to know that you have made us, and that you love us. We praise you for your wisdom and power. May we live to serve you. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ I pray and praise you, Amen.