Pilate’s answer is contemptuous of the Jews. Pilate could care less about their religious disputes. He obviously has nothing but hatred and disdain for the Jews. His attitude has been reflected throughout recent history and is the result, not of the higher level of honor and morality of the Jews, but because of their corruption and turning away from God (Mal 2:8-9). Henry notes that “good names often suffer for the sake of the bad men who wear them.” How may this apply to Christians?

Malachi 2:8-9  But you have turned from the way and by your teaching have caused many to stumble; you have violated the covenant with Levi,” says the LORD Almighty.  “So I have caused you to be despised and humiliated before all the people, because you have not followed my ways but have shown partiality in matters of the law.”

Pilate tells Jesus that it is His own people, who should be biased toward Him, and the priests, who should be representing Him, who have handed Him over for judgment. The governor can do no more than proceed on the information they have given him.

Pilate’s question as to what Jesus did is blunt and curt and carries the sense of “what is your real crime?” Jesus had neglected to answer Pilate’s first question as to whether He was a king or not, so Pilate here asks his question in a more general form. Jesus has obviously done something to arouse the ire of the chief priests and Pilate wants to get to the bottom of it to see if it is anything that would concern Rome and Roman law.