Trial Before Pilate

“The significance of what is about to happen can only be understood in the context of the political relationship between the Jews and their Roman rulers.  The Jews have condemned Jesus to death on the basis of their own religious laws against blasphemy, in response to Jesus’ claim to be the Son of God.  But the Sanhedrin has no power to execute condemned prisoners without approval of the Roman government.  yet clearly such a pagan government will not regard a charge of blasphemy with the same degree of seriousness as do the Jews therefore more appropriate charges will have to be laid before the governor.  Being politically astute, the Jewish leaders will accuse Jesus of sedition in allegedly urging the refusal to pay taxes and in claiming to be the King of the Jews.

The man to hear these charges is the Roman procurator and governor, Pontius Pilate.  Apparently convinced of Jesus’ innocence, Pilate initially takes every available step to avoid personal responsibility.  He sends Jesus to Herod Antipas, but Herod wants no part of it either.  Pilate then tries to release Jesus but the mob insists that a notorious insurrectionist by the name of Barabbus be released instead.  When even a scourging of Jesus fails to placate the crowd, Pilate finally washes his hands of the matter and orders that Jesus be put to death.”

Read:  Matthew 27:2;11-32, Mark 15:1-22, Luke 23:1-31, John 18:28-40, John 19:1-17

All quotations taken from The Daily Bible.