In the previous section Jesus was tried by his own people in the presence of Annas and Caiaphas (13-27). Beginning in verse 28 Jesus is put on trial before the world, as it were, in the courts of the Gentiles. Once again we see that Jesus has come for the world and not merely one nation or people. It is the whole world which is guilty of the blood of Christ and it is for the world that he will lay down his life. As John narrates, it becomes clear that the world has no claim on Christ. He is guilty of no crime, his innocence actually being revealed in the plot against him. Indeed, Pilate himself declares that there is no fault in Jesus. All this is to fulfill the redemptive purposes of God that a spotless sacrifice lay down his life for sinners.

This section helps us to understand Jesus as the Passover Lamb given in sacrifice for the people of God. Even while being arrested, bound, and questioned Jesus is in control, dictating the terms of his own interrogation. Therefore, it is the rule and reign of Christ which is established and the power of Rome and the Jewish religious authorities which is exposed as passing away. “What is truth?” Pilate asks. The answer is that Christ is King in Jerusalem and over the whole world.