Even today it is offensive to Jews just make the claim – Jesus, King of the Jews. He wasn’t chosen, elected or endorsed by the high priests and religious leaders. How then, was he king?
Jesus was making a bold statement. That his kingdom was not of this world, but he was in every way king. Their king. One that they would submit to one day.
It makes me think of Psalm 2. He is the king of Kings.
The religious leaders were enraged. They lodged multiple accusations against Jesus. But Jesus was quiet.
Pilate was astonished. He was used to prisoners begging for their lives.
Jesus did not need to speak.
When you know your identity, you don’t need to defend yourself.
You also know the problem is not with you.
His heart must have been hurting though based on what he was seeing.
Matthew 15:1-15
And as soon as it was morning, the chief priests held a consultation with the elders and scribes and the whole council. And they bound Jesus and led him away and delivered him over to Pilate. And Pilate asked him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” And he answered him, “You have said so.” And the chief priests accused him of many things. And Pilate again asked him, “Have you no answer to make? See how many charges they bring against you.” But Jesus made no further answer, so that Pilate was amazed.