(c) In reply to Pilate’s question, “Are you the king of the Jews?” (upon which Saint John lays the weight of his trial scene) Jesus answers in the Synoptics only, “You say so” (Mark 15:2 and parallels).14 An indirect response, again, but a positive one. God’s purposes for the world and its history have at their heart the restoration of Israel. If the universal confrontation of truth and power is central for Saint John, the synoptists keep sight of the calling of Israel and national restoration.
