Visual imagination 1 Pilate’s face grew pale. He was confused by his own conflicting emotions. But while he had been delaying to act, the priests and rulers were still further inflaming the minds of the people. Pilate was forced to action.

Biblical evidence

Mark 15:6-7 6 Now at the feast he was accustomed to releasing one prisoner to them, whomever they requested. 7 And there was one named Barabbas, who was chained with his fellow rebels; they had committed murder in the rebellion.

Matthew 27:15-17 15 Now at the feast the governor was accustomed to releasing to the multitude one prisoner whom they wished. 16 And at that time they had a notorious prisoner called Barabbas. 17 Therefore, when they had gathered together, Pilate said to them, “Whom do you want me to release to you? Barabbas, or Jesus who is called Christ?”

Luke 23:18-19 18 … Barabbas” — 19 who had been thrown into prison for a certain rebellion made in the city, and for murder.

John 18:40 40 … Now Barabbas was a robber.

In imagination behold the scene 2009

After he had been reading the letter from his wife (see In Pilate’s Judgment Hall IX), Pilate’s face grew pale. He was confused by his own conflicting emotions. But while he had been delaying to act, the priests and rulers were still further inflaming the minds of the people. Pilate was forced to action.He now bethought himself of a custom which might serve to secure Christ’s release.

• It was customary at this feast to release some one prisoner whom the people might choose.
• This custom was of pagan invention; there was not a shadow of justice in it, but it was greatly prized by the Jews.

The Roman authorities at this time held a prisoner named Barabbas, who was under sentence of death. This man had claimed…

• He had claimed to be the Messiah.
• He claimed authority to establish a different order of things, to set the world right.
• Under satanic delusion he claimed that whatever he could obtain by theft and robbery was his own.

This man had …

• He had done wonderful things through satanic agencies.
• He had gained a following among the people.
• He had excited sedition against the Roman government.

Therefore under cover of religious enthusiasm Barabbas was a hardened and desperate villain, bent on rebellion and cruelty.

By giving the people a choice between this man and the innocent Saviour, Pilate thought and hoped…

• PIlate thought to arouse them to a sense of justice.
• Pilate hoped to gain their sympathy for Jesus in opposition to the priests and rulers.

So, turning to the crowd, Pilate said with great earnestness, “Whom will ye that I release unto you? Barabbas, or Jesus which is called Christ?”

Visual imagination 2 Like the bellowing of wild beasts came the answer of the mob, “Release unto us Barabbas!”

Biblical evidence

Matthew 27:21 21 The governor answered and said to them, “Which of the two do you want me to release to you?” They said, “Barabbas!”

Mark 15:9-13 9 But Pilate answered them, saying, “Do you want me to release to you the King of the Jews?” 10 For he knew that the chief priests had handed Him over because of envy. 11 But the chief priests stirred up the crowd, so that he should rather release Barabbas to them. 12 Pilate answered and said to them again, “What then do you want me to do with Him whom you call the King of the Jews?” 13 So they cried out again, “Crucify Him!”

Luke 23:18 18 And they all cried out at once, saying, “Away with this Man, and release to us Barabbas” –

John 18:39-40 39 ” But you have a custom that I should release someone to you at the Passover. Do you therefore want me to release to you the King of the Jews?” 40 Then they all cried again, saying, “Not this Man, but Barabbas!” ….

In imagination behold the scene 2009

 PIcture: Bellowing of a wild beast

Turning to the crowd, Pilate said with great earnestness, “Whom will ye that I release unto you? Barabbas, or Jesus which is called Christ?”

Like the bellowing of wild beasts came the answer of the mob, “Release unto us Barabbas!” Louder and louder swelled the cry, Barabbas! Barabbas!

Thinking that the people had not understood his question, Pilate asked
“Will ye that I release unto you the King of the Jews?”

But they cried out again, “Away with this Man, and release unto us Barabbas”!

Pilate asked? “What shall I do then with Jesus which is called Christ?”

Again the surging multitude roared like demons. Demons themselves, in human form, were in the crowd, and what could be expected but the answer, “Let Him be crucified”?

Visual imagination 3 Pilate was troubled.

Biblical evidence

Luke 23:22 22 “Why, what evil has He done? ”

In imagination behold the scene 2009

Pilate was troubled for two reasons:

• He had not thought it would come to that.
• He shrank from delivering an innocent man to the most ignominious and cruel death that could be inflicted.

After the roar of voices had ceased, he turned to the people, saying, “Why, what evil hath He done?” But the case had gone too far for argument:

• It was not evidence of Christ’s innocence that they wanted,
• They wanted but His condemnation.

Visual imagination 4 Still Pilate endeavored to save Jesus.

Biblical evidence

Matthew 27:23 23 Then the governor said, “Why, what evil has He done?” But they cried out all the more, saying, “Let Him be crucified!”

Mark 15:14 14 Then Pilate said to them, “Why, what evil has He done?” But they cried out all the more, “Crucify Him!”

Luke 23:22-23 22 Then he said to them the third time, “Why, what evil has He done? I have found no reason for death in Him. I will therefore chastise Him and let Him go.” 23 But they were insistent, demanding with loud voices that He be crucified. And the voices of these men and of the chief priests prevailed.

In imagination behold the scene 2009

 PIcture: hurricane storm

 Picture: Frenzy and loud storm

The third endeavor to save Jesus

Still Pilate endeavored to save Him. “He said unto them the third time, Why, what evil hath He done? I have found no cause of death in Him: I will therefore chastise Him, and let Him go.” But the very mention of His release stirred the people to a tenfold frenzy. “Crucify Him, crucify Him,” they cried. Louder and louder swelled the storm that Pilate’s indecision had called forth.

Visual imagination 4 Jesus was taken, faint with weariness and covered with wounds, and scourged in the sight of the multitude.

Biblical evidence

Matthew 4:3 3 Now when the tempter came to Him, he said, “If You are the Son of God…”

Matthew 27:27-29 27 Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the Praetorium and gathered the whole garrison around Him. 28 And they stripped Him and put a scarlet robe on Him. 29 When they had twisted a crown of thorns (GRK. akantha, species of plant is not clear), they put it on His head, and a reed in His right hand. And they bowed the knee before Him and mocked Him, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!”

Mark 15:16-18 16 Then the soldiers led Him away into the hall called Praetorium, and they called together the whole garrison. 17 And they clothed Him with purple; and they twisted a crown of thorns, put it on His head, 18 and began to salute Him, “Hail, King of the Jews!”

In imagination behold the scene 2009

 Picture: Sarcopoterium spinosum. Despite its Latin name, Z. spini-christi (literally, spine of Christ) is probably not the plant used in making the crown of thorns. Rather, the low growing very common shrub Sarcopoterium spinosum (the common name is Spiny burnet) is a better choice. This shrub is abundant around Jerusalem. Spiny burnet is a flexible plant and it would be easy to weave a crown out of the plants.  Farmers sometimes use the branches for cleaning animal stalls and other applications where a strong yet flexuous kind of broom is needed.

Jesus was taken, faint with weariness and covered with wounds, and scourged in the sight of the multitude:

“And the soldiers led Him away into the hall, called Praetorium, and they call together the whole band. And they clothed Him with purple, and platted a crown of thorns, and put it about His head, and began to salute Him, Hail, King of the Jews! And they . . . did spit upon Him, and bowing their knees worshiped Him.”

Occasionally some wicked hand snatched the reed that had been placed in His hand, and struck the crown upon His brow…

• forcing the thorns into His temples
• sending the blood trickling down His face and beard.

Wonder, O heavens! and be astonished, O earth! Behold the oppressor and the oppressed. A maddened throng enclose the Saviour of the world. Mocking and jeering are mingled with the coarse oaths of blasphemy.

• His lowly birth is commented upon by the unfeeling mob.
• His humble life is commended upon by the unfeeling mob.
• His claim to be the Son of God is ridiculed
• The vulgar jest and insulting sneer are passed from lip to lip.

Visual imagination 1  Pilate was disappointed and much displeased.

Biblical evidence

Luke 23:13-16  13 Then Pilate, when he had called together the chief priests, the rulers, and the people,  14 said to them, “You have brought this Man to me, as one who misleads the people. And indeed, having examined Him in your presence, I have found no fault in this Man concerning those things of which you accuse Him;  15 “no, neither did Herod, for I sent you back to him; and indeed nothing deserving of death has been done by Him.  16 “I will therefore chastise Him and release Him”

In imagination behold the scene 2009

Pilate was disappointed and much displeased. When the Jews returned with their prisoner, he asked impatiently what they would have him do. Pilate reminded the Jews on three points:

1. He reminded them that he had already examined Jesus, and found no fault in Him;
2. He told them that they had brought complaints against Him, but they had not been able to prove a single charge.
3. He had sent Jesus to Herod, the tetrarch of Galilee, and one of their own nation, but he also had found in Him nothing worthy of death.

Therefore Pilate said to the Jews:”I will therefore chastise Him and release Him.” 

Here Pilate showed his weakness:

• He had declared that Jesus was innocent, yet he was willing for Him to be scourged to pacify His accusers.
• He would sacrifice justice and principle in order to compromise with the mob.

This placed Pilate at a disadvantage. The crowd presumed upon his indecision, and clamored the more for the life of the prisoner.

 (1) What if …

If at the first Pilate had stood firm, refusing to condemn a man whom he found guiltless, he would have broken the fatal chain that was to bind him in remorse and guilt as long as he lived.

(2) What if… 

Had Pilate carried out his convictions of right…

• The Jews would not have presumed to dictate to him.
• Christ would have been put to death, but the guilt would not have rested upon Pilate.

But Pilate had taken step after step in the violation of his conscience. He had excused himself from judging with justice and equity, and he now found himself almost helpless in the hands of the priests and rulers. His wavering and indecision proved his ruin.

Visual imagination 2  Even now Pilate was not left to act blindly.

Biblical evidence

Matthew 27:19   19 While he was sitting on the judgment seat, his wife sent to him, saying, “Have nothing to do with that just Man, for I have suffered many things today in a dream because of Him.”

In imagination behold the scene 2009

 Picture: The earth wrapped in darkness 

Even now Pilate was not left to act blindly because…

• Because a message from God warned him from the deed he was about to commit.

In answer to Christ’s prayer, the wife of Pilate had been visited by an angel from heaven, and in a dream she had beheld the Saviour and conversed with Him. Pilate’s wife was not a Jew, but as she looked upon Jesus in her dream, she had no doubt of His character or mission. She knew Him to be the Prince of God. Two scenes met her gaze in the dream:

The first scene: 

• She saw Him on trial in the judgment hall.
• She saw the hands tightly bound as the hands of a criminal.
• She saw Herod and his soldiers doing their dreadful work.
• She heard the priests and rulers, filled with envy and malice, madly accusing.
• She heard the words, “We have a law, and by our law He ought to die.”
• She saw Pilate give Jesus to the scourging, after he had declared, “I find no fault in Him.”
• She heard the condemnation pronounced by Pilate, and saw him give Christ up to His murderers.
• She saw the cross uplifted on Calvary.
• She saw the earth wrapped in darkness.
• She heard the mysterious cry, “It is finished.”

The second scene:

Still another scene met her gaze.

• She saw Christ seated upon the great white cloud.
• She saw the earth reeled in space.
• She saw His murderers fled from the presence of His glory.

With a cry of horror she awoke, and at once wrote to Pilate words of warning.

While Pilate was hesitating as to what he should do, a messenger pressed through the crowd, and handed him the letter from his wife, which read: 

Matthew 27:19   19 … “Have nothing to do with that just Man, for I have suffered many things today in a dream because of Him.” 

Picture: Earth reeled in space and white clouds

Visual imagination 1    Herod’s face grew dark with passion.

Biblical evidence

 Luke 23:11   11 Then Herod, with his men of war, treated Him with contempt and mocked Him, arrayed Him in a gorgeous robe…

In imagination behold the scene 2009

 Picture: Wild beast dard upon the prey

Herod’s face grew dark with passion. Turning to the multitude, he angrily denounced Jesus as an impostor. Then to Christ he said, If You will give no evidence of Your claim, I will deliver You up to the soldiers and the people. They may succeed in making You speak:

• If You are an impostor, death at their hands is only what You merit.
• if You are the Son of God, save Yourself by working a miracle.

No sooner were these words spoken than a rush was made for Christ.Like wild beasts, the crowd darted upon their prey:

• Jesus was dragged this way and that, Herod joining the mob in seeking to humiliate the Son of God.

What if…

Had not the Roman soldiers interposed, and forced back the maddened throng, the Saviour would have been torn in pieces.

Luke 23:11   11 Then Herod, with his men of war, treated Him with contempt and mocked Him, arrayed Him in a gorgeous robe… 

The Roman soldiers joined in this abuse. All that these wicked, corrupt soldiers, helped on by Herod and the Jewish dignitaries, could instigate was heaped upon the Saviour. Yet His divine patience failed not.

 PIcture: Roman soldier model costume

Visual imagination 2  

Christ’s persecutors had…

• They had tried to measure His character by their own.
• They had represented Him as vile as themselves.

But back of all the present appearance another scene intruded itself,–a scene which they will one day see in all its glory.

Biblical evidence

 Luke 23:11   11 …and sent Him back to Pilate.

In imagination behold the scene 2009 

 Picture: Ray of light

Although Christ’s persecutors had represented Christ as vile as themselves,back of all the present appearance another scene intruded itself,–a scene which they will one day see in all its glory:

• There were some who trembled in Christ’s presence.
• While the rude throng were bowing in mockery before Him, some who came forward for that purpose turned back, afraid and silenced.

Herod was convicted. The last rays of merciful light were shining upon his sin-hardened heart:

• Herod felt that this was no common man; for divinity had flashed through humanity.
• At the very time when Christ was encompassed by mockers, adulterers, and murderers, Herod felt that he was beholding a God upon His throne.                

Hardened as he was, Herod dared not ratify the condemnation of Christ.

• He wished to relieve himself of the terrible responsibility.
• He sent Jesus back to the Roman judgment hall.

Visual imagination 1 Herod’s face grew dark with passion.

Biblical evidence

Luke 23:11 11 Then Herod, with his men of war, treated Him with contempt and mocked Him, arrayed Him in a gorgeous robe…

In imagination behold the scene 2009

Herod’s face grew dark with passion. Turning to the multitude, he angrily denounced Jesus as an impostor. Then to Christ he said, If You will give no evidence of Your claim, I will deliver You up to the soldiers and the people. They may succeed in making You speak:

• If You are an impostor, death at their hands is only what You merit.
• if You are the Son of God, save Yourself by working a miracle.

No sooner were these words spoken than a rush was made for Christ.Like wild beasts, the crowd darted upon their prey:

• Jesus was dragged this way and that, Herod joining the mob in seeking to humiliate the Son of God.

What if…

Had not the Roman soldiers interposed, and forced back the maddened throng, the Saviour would have been torn in pieces.

Luke 23:11 11 Then Herod, with his men of war, treated Him with contempt and mocked Him, arrayed Him in a gorgeous robe…

The Roman soldiers joined in this abuse. All that these wicked, corrupt soldiers, helped on by Herod and the Jewish dignitaries, could instigate was heaped upon the Saviour. Yet His divine patience failed not.

Visual imagination 2

Christ’s persecutors had…

• They had tried to measure His character by their own.
• They had represented Him as vile as themselves.

But back of all the present appearance another scene intruded itself,–a scene which they will one day see in all its glory.

Biblical evidence

Luke 23:11 11 …and sent Him back to Pilate.

In imagination behold the scene 2009

Although Christ’s persecutors had represented Christ as vile as themselves,back of all the present appearance another scene intruded itself,–a scene which they will one day see in all its glory:

• There were some who trembled in Christ’s presence.
• While the rude throng were bowing in mockery before Him, some who came forward for that purpose turned back, afraid and silenced.

Herod was convicted. The last rays of merciful light were shining upon his sin-hardened heart:

• Herod felt that this was no common man; for divinity had flashed through humanity.
• At the very time when Christ was encompassed by mockers, adulterers, and murderers, Herod felt that he was beholding a God upon His throne.

Hardened as he was, Herod dared not ratify the condemnation of Christ.

• He wished to relieve himself of the terrible responsibility.
• He sent Jesus back to the Roman judgment hall.

Visual imagination 1 Herod questioned Christ in many words, but throughout the Saviour maintained a profound silence.

Biblical evidence

John 19:10 10 Then Pilate (Herod’s friend) said to Him (Christ), “Are You not speaking to me? Do You not know that I have power to crucify You, and power to release You?”

Luke 23:9 9 Then he (Herod) questioned Him (Christ) with many words, but He answered him nothing.

In imagination behold the scene 2009

Picture: The pool of the sheepmarked (the Pool of Bethesda) in model city. It was located just below the Fortress of Antonia. Here Jesus healed the lame man (see John 5:2-4)

 Picture: Pool of Bethesda in Jerusalem

Why did Christ perform no miracles for Herod? 

Herod questioned Christ in many words, but throughout the Saviour maintained a profound silence.

1) At the command of the king, the decrepit and maimed were then called in, and Christ was ordered to prove His claims by working a miracle. Men say that Thou canst heal the sick, said Herod. I am anxious to see that Thy widespread fame has not been belied. Jesus did not respond

2) Herod still continued to urge: If Thou canst work miracles for others, work them now for Thine own good, and it will serve Thee a good purpose.

3) Herod commanded, Show us a sign that Thou hast the power with which rumor hath accredited Thee. But Christ was as one who heard and saw not for two reasons:

• The Son of God had taken upon Himself man’s nature.
• The Son of God must do as man must do in like circumstances.

Therefore He would not work a miracle to save Himself the pain and humiliation that man must endure when placed in a similar position.

Herod promised that if Christ would perform some miracle in his presence, He should be released. Christ’s accusers had…

• Christ accusers had seen with their own eyes the mighty works wrought by His power.
• Christ accusers had heard Him command the grave to give up its dead.
• Christ accusers had seen the dead come forth obedient to His voice.

Therefore fear seized Christ accusers lest He should now work a miracle. Of all things they most dreaded an exhibition of His power for two reasons:

• Such a manifestation would prove a deathblow to their plans
• Such a manifestation would perhaps cost them their lives.

So again the priests and rulers, in great anxiety, urged their accusations against Him. Raising their voices, they declared…

• Christ is a traitor,
• Christ is a blasphemer.
• Christ works His miracles through the power given Him by Beelzebub, the prince of the devils.

Then the hall became a scene of confusion, some crying one thing and some another.

Herod’s conscience was now far less sensitive than when he had trembled with horror at the request of Herodias for the head of John the Baptist.

(Discussion)

For a time Herod had felt the keen stings of remorse for his terrible act (John the Baptist beheaded, see Matt.14:1-11).

His moral perceptions, however, had become more and more degraded by his licentious life.

• Now Herod’s heart had become so hardened that he could even boast of the punishment he had inflicted upon John for daring to reprove him.
• Now Herod threatened Jesus, declaring repeatedly that he had power to release or to condemn Him.

But no sign from Jesus gave evidence that He heard a word.

Herod was irritated by this silence because..

• Because this silence seemed to indicate utter indifference to his authority.
• Because to the vain and pompous king, open rebuke would have been less offensive than to be thus ignored.

Again he angrily threatened Jesus, who still remained unmoved and silent.

PIcture: Ear anatomy

 PIcture: lower human face and muscles

 Picture: human lip muscles

Why did Christ remain silent?

The mission of Christ in this world was not to gratify idle curiosity. Then what was the mission of Christ in this world?

• Christ came to heal the brokenhearted.

In other words, could Christ have spoken any word to heal the bruises of sin-sick souls, He would not have kept silent. But He had no words for those who would but trample the truth under their unholy feet.

Christ might…

• Christ might have spoken words to Herod that would have pierced the ears of the hardened king.
• Christ might have stricken him with fear and trembling by laying before him the full iniquity of his life.
• Christ might have layed before Herod the horror of Herod’s approaching doom.

 Picture: Normal human eye

But Christ’s silence was the severest rebuke that He could have given. Herod had rejected the truth spoken to him by the greatest of the prophets (John the Baptist, see Matt. 14:4), and no other message was he to receive. Not a word, ear to listen or look had the Majesty of heaven for Herod.

• That ear that had ever been open to human woe, had no room for Herod’s commands.
• Those eyes that had ever rested upon the penitent sinner in pitying, forgiving love had no look to bestow upon Herod.
• Those lips that had uttered the most impressive truth, that in tones of tenderest entreaty had pleaded with the most sinful and the most degraded, were closed to the haughty king who felt no need of a Saviour.

Introduction

Pilate at this time had no thought of condemning Jesus for two reasons:

• He knew that the Jews had accused Him through hatred and prejudice.
• He knew what his duty was. Justice demanded that Christ should be immediately released.

Pilate, however, dreaded the ill will of the people…

What if..

1. Should Pilate refuse to give Jesus into their hands,
2. Then a tumult would be raised
3. Pilate feared to meet this tumult.

So when he heard that Christ was from Galilee, he decided to send Him to Herod, the ruler of that province, who was then in Jerusalem. By this course, Pilate thought to achieve two aims:

• Pilate thought to shift the responsibility of the trial from himself to Herod.
• Pilate thought this a good opportunity to heal an old quarrel between himself and Herod.

So it proved. The two magistrates made friends over the trial of the Saviour.

Luke 23:12 12 That very day Pilate and Herod became friends with each other, for previously they had been at enmity with each other.

Visual imagination 1 Pilate delivered Jesus again to the soldiers, and amid the jeers and insults of the mob He was hurried to the judgment hall of Herod.

Biblical evidence

Luke 23:8 8 Now when Herod saw Jesus, he was exceedingly glad; for he had desired for a long time to see Him, because he had heard many things about Him, and he hoped to see some miracle done by Him.

In imagination behold the scene 2009

Picture: After a reign of nine years Archelaus was deposed by Augustus, and Judaea was attached to the Roman province of Syria, being governed by a Procurator. Antipas (called in the N.T. “Herod the tetrarch”) built as his capital Tiberias on the Sea of Galilee; he is frequently mentioned in the Gospels (see Matt. 14:1; Mark 6:14; Luke 9:7; Luke 13:31; Luk 23: 7-15). He took as his wife Herodias, the wife of his half-brother Philip.

 PIcture: Tiberias excavations

Pilate delivered Jesus again to the soldiers, and amid the jeers and insults of the mob He was hurried to the judgment hall of Herod. “When Herod saw Jesus, he was exceeding glad.” He had never before met the Saviour, but “he was desirous to see Him of a long season, because he had heard many things of Him; and he hoped to have seen some miracle done by Him.”

Who was this Herod?

This Herod was he whose hands were stained with the blood of John the Baptist (see Matt. 14:1-11). Herod had mixed feelings about Jesus.

1) (Feelings of terror) When Herod first heard of Jesus, he was terror-stricken, and said, “It is John, whom I beheaded: he is risen from the dead;” “therefore mighty works do show forth themselves in him.” Mark 6:16; Matt. 14:2.

2) (Feelings of hope and curiosity) Yet Herod desired to see Jesus for two reasons:

• Now there was opportunity to save the life of this prophet, and the king Herod hoped to banish forever from his mind the memory of that bloody head brought to him in a charger.
• Herod desired to have his curiosity gratified, and thought that if Christ were given any prospect of release, He would do anything that was asked of Him.

Visual imagination 2. A large company of the priests and elders had accompanied Christ to Herod. And when the Saviour was brought in, these dignitaries, all speaking excitedly, urged their accusations against Him. But Herod paid little regard to their charges.

Biblical evidence

Luke 23:9-10 9 Then he questioned Him with many words, but He answered him nothing. 10 And the chief priests and scribes stood and vehemently accused Him.

In imagination behold the scene 2009

Picture: Herod was deposed by the Emperor Caligula and banished to Lugdunum in Gaul (modern Lyon, France), A.D. 39.

A large company of the priests and elders had accompanied Christ to Herod. And when the Saviour was brought in, these dignitaries, all speaking excitedly, urged their accusations against Him. But Herod paid little regard to their charges.

• Herod commanded silence, desiring an opportunity to question Christ.
• Herod ordered that the fetters of Christ should be unloosed, at the same time
• Herod charged His enemies with roughly treating Him.
• Looking with compassion into the serene face of the world’s Redeemer, Herod read in it only wisdom and purity.

Therefore Herod as well as Pilate was satisfied that Christ had been accused through malice and envy.

Visual imagination 1 Pilate was astonished at Christ’s bearing.

Biblical evidence

Mark 15:5 5 But Jesus still answered nothing, so that Pilate marveled.

Matthew 27:14 14 But He answered him not one word, so that the governor marveled greatly.

In imagination behold the scene 2009

Pilate was astonished at His bearing.Pilate asked himself:

“Does this Man disregard the proceedings because He does not care to save His life?”

As Pilate looked at Jesus, bearing insult and mockery without retaliation, he felt that He could not be as unrighteous and unjust as were the clamoring priests. Hoping…

• To gain the truth from Jesus
• To escape the tumult of the crowd

Pilate took Jesus aside with him, and again questioned (second time), “Art Thou the King of the Jews?”

Visual imagination 2 Jesus did not directly answer Pilate’s question:”Art Thou the King of the Jews?

Biblical evidence

John 18:33-34 33 Then Pilate entered the Praetorium again, called Jesus, and said to Him, “Are You the King of the Jews?” 34 Jesus answered him, “Are you speaking for yourself about this, or did others tell you this concerning Me?”

John 18:35 35 Pilate answered, “Am I a Jew? Your own nation and the chief priests have delivered You to me. What have You done?”

In imagination behold the scene 2009

Jesus did not directly answer this question for two reasons:

• He knew that the Holy Spirit was striving with Pilate
• He gave him opportunity to acknowledge his conviction.

Christ asked Pilatus:

• “Sayest thou this thing of thyself?”
• “Did others (the Holy Spirit) tell it thee of Me?”

In other words, was it…

• The accusations of the priests that prompted Pilate’s question?
• A desire to receive light from Christ, that prompted Pilate’s question?

Pilate understood Christ’s meaning; but pride arose in his heart. He would not acknowledge the conviction that pressed upon him. “Am I a Jew?” he said. “Thine own nation and the chief priests have delivered Thee unto me: what hast Thou done?”

Visual imagination 3 Pilate’s golden opportunity had passed. Yet Jesus did not leave Pilatus without further light.

Biblical evidence

John 18:36-37 36 Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, My servants would fight, so that I should not be delivered to the Jews; but now My kingdom is not from here.” 37 Pilate therefore said to Him, “Are You a king then?” Jesus answered, “You say rightly that I am a king. For this cause I was born, and for this cause I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice.”

In imagination behold the scene 2009

PIcture: Christ’s word is a key which would unlock the mystery

Pilate’s golden opportunity had passed. Yet Jesus did not leave him without further light. While He did not directly answer Pilate’s question, Jesus plainly stated His own mission:

Jesus gave Pilate to understand that He was not seeking an earthly throne.

Therefore Jesus said:

John 18:36-37 36 Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, My servants would fight, so that I should not be delivered to the Jews; but now My kingdom is not from here.” 37 Pilate therefore said to Him, “Are You a king then?” Jesus answered, “You say rightly that I am a king. For this cause I was born, and for this cause I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice.”

Christ affirmed that His word was in itself a key which would unlock the mystery to those who were prepared to receive it:

• His word had a self-commending power
• This self-commending power was the secret of the spread of His kingdom of truth.

Christ desired Pilate to understand that only by receiving and appropriating truth could his ruined nature be reconstructed.

 Picture: A key

Visual imagination 4 Pilate had a desire to know the truth. His mind was confused.

Biblical evidence

John 18:38 38 Pilate said to Him, “What is truth?” And when he had said this, he went out again to the Jews, and said to them, “I find no fault in Him at all.

Luke 23:4 4 So Pilate said to the chief priests and the crowd, “I find no fault in this Man.”

In imagination behold the scene 2009

 Picture: The Roman Empire

Pilate had a desire to know the truth. His mind was confused:

1) Pilate eagerly grasped the words of the Saviour

2) Pilate’s heart was stirred with a great longing to know…

• What the truth really was.
• How he could obtain the truth.

Therefore Pilatus inquired:”What is truth?”

But Pilatus did not wait for an answer. The tumult outside recalled him to the interests of the hour; for the priests were clamorous for immediate action. Going out to the Jews, he declared emphatically, “I find in Him no fault at all.”

These words from a heathen judge were a scathing rebuke to the perfidy and falsehood of the rulers of Israel who were accusing the Saviour. As the priests and elders heard this from Pilate, their disappointment and rage knew no bounds:

• The priests and elders had long plotted and waited for this opportunity.
• As the priests and elders saw the prospect of the release of Jesus, they seemed ready to tear Him in pieces.
• The priest and elders loudly denounced Pilate, and threatened him with the censure of the Roman government.
• The priest and elders accused Pilatus of refusing to condemn Jesus, who, they affirmed, had set Himself up against Caesar.

Angry voices were now heard, declaring that the seditious influence of Jesus was well known throughout the country. The priests said (see Luk 23:5), “He stirreth up the people, teaching throughout all Jewry, beginning from Galilee to this place.”

Visual imagination 1 Pilate saw through their purpose. Pilate did not believe that the prisoner had plotted against the government.

Biblical evidence

Matthew 27:11 11 Now Jesus stood before the governor. And the governor asked Him, saying, “Are You the King of the Jews?” So Jesus said to him, “It is as you say.”

Mark 15:2 2 Then Pilate asked Him, “Are You the King of the Jews?” He answered and said to him, “It is as you say.”

Luke 23:3 3 Then Pilate asked Him, saying, “Are You the King of the Jews?” He answered him and said, “It is as you say.”

In imagination behold the scene 2009

PIcture: Sunbeam

Pilate saw through their purpose. He did not believe that Jesus, the prisoner, had plotted against the government for two reasons:

• His meek appearance was out of harmony with the charge
• His humble appearance was altogether out of harmony with the charge

So Pilate was convinced that a deep plot had been laid to destroy an innocent man who stood in the way of the Jewish dignitaries. Turning to Jesus Pilate asked…

“Art Thou the King of the Jews?”

The Saviour answered:

“Thou sayest it.”

As The Saviour spoke, His countenance lighted up as if a sunbeam were shining upon it.

Visual imagination 2 When they heard His answer, Caiaphas and those that were with him called Pilate to witness that Jesus had admitted the crime with which He was charged.

Biblical evidence

Matthew 27:12-13 12 And while He was being accused by the chief priests and elders, He answered nothing. 13 Then Pilate said to Him, “Do You not hear how many things they testify against You?”

Mark 15:3-5 3 And the chief priests accused Him of many things, but He answered nothing. 4 Then Pilate asked Him again, saying, “Do You answer nothing? See how many things they testify against You!” 5 But Jesus still answered nothing, ….

In imagination behold the scene 2009

PIcture: The fury of the waves

 PIcture: Ocean waves

When they heard His answer, Caiaphas and those that were with him called Pilate to witness that Jesus had admitted the crime with which He was charged:

• With noisy cries, priests, scribes, and rulers demanded that Jesus be sentenced to death.
• The cries were taken up by the mob.
• The uproar was deafening.

Pilate was confused. Seeing that Jesus made no answer to His accusers, Pilate said to Jesus:

“Answerest Thou nothing? behold how many things they witness against Thee. But Jesus yet answered nothing.”

Standing behind Pilate, in view of all in the court, Christ heard the abuse; but to all the false charges against Him He answered not a word. His whole bearing gave evidence of conscious innocence:

• Christ stood unmoved by the fury of the waves that beat about Him. It was as if the heavy surges of wrath, rising higher and higher, like the waves of the boisterous ocean, broke about Him, but did not touch Him.
• Christ stood silent, but His silence was eloquence. It was as a light shining from the inner to the outer man.

Danish resume /Dansk resume

Visuel forestilling 1 Pilatus gennemskuede deres hensigter. Han troede ikke på, at fangen havde smedet rænker mod regeringen.

Visuel forestilling 2 Da Kajfas og de, som var sammen med ham, hørte hans svar, kaldte de Pilatus til vidne på, at Jesus havde tilstået den forbrydelse, han var anklaget for.

Visual imagination 1 There was something in the prisoner that held Pilate back from inflicting the death penalty on Jesus without giving Him a hearing.

Biblical evidence

John 18:31 31 Then Pilate said to them, “You take Him and judge Him according to your law.” Therefore the Jews said to him, “It is not lawful for us to put anyone to death,”

In imagination behold the scene 2009

Picture: The traditional tomb of Lazarus. The actual burial chamber is seen in the lower right.

But there was something in the prisoner that held Pilate back from inflicting the death penalty on Jesus without a hearing for three reasons:

• Pilate dared not do it.
• Pilate read the purposes of the priests.
• Pilate remembered how, not long before, Jesus had raised Lazarus, a man that had been dead four days.

Therefore Pilate determined to know two things, before signing the sentence of condemnation:

• What were the charges against Jesus
• Whether the charges against Jesus could be proved

Pilate said:

John 18:31 31 … “You take Him and judge Him according to your law.” Therefore the Jews said to him, “It is not lawful for us to put anyone to death,”

Thus pressed, the priests said:

• That they had already passed sentence upon Jesus
• That they must have Pilate’s sentence to render their condemnation valid.

Pilate asked:

“What is your sentence”?

The priests answered:

“The death sentence; but it is not lawful for us to put any man to death.”

So the priests asked Pilate to take their word as to Christ’s guilt, and enforce their sentence. They would take the responsibility of the result.

Pilate was not a just or a conscientious judge; but weak though he was in moral power, Pilate…

• Pilate refused to grant this request (to enforce their sentence)
• Pilate would not condemn Jesus until a charge had been brought against Him.

Visual imagination 2 The priests were in a dilemma.

Biblical evidence

Luke 20:22-25 22 “Is it lawful for us to pay taxes to Caesar or not?” 23 But He perceived their craftiness, and said to them, “Why do you test Me? 24 “Show Me a denarius. Whose image and inscription does it have?” They answered and said, “Caesar’s.” 25 And He said to them, “Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.”

Luke 23:2 2 And they began to accuse Him, saying, “We found this fellow perverting the nation, and forbidding to pay taxes to Caesar, saying that He Himself is Christ, a King.”

In imagination behold the scene 2009

 Picture: Tiberius Denarius “Tribute Penny”

The priests were in a dilemma. They saw that they must cloak their hypocrisy under the thickest concealment:

1) The priests must not allow it to appear that Christ had been arrested on religious grounds because:

• Because were this put forward as a reason, their proceedings would have no weight with Pilate.

2) The priests must make it appear that Jesus was working against the common law; then He could be punished as a political offender for three reasons:

• Tumults and insurrection against the Roman government were constantly arising among the Jews.
• With these revolts the Romans had dealt very rigorously, and
• The Romans were constantly on the watch to repress everything that could lead to an outbreak.

Jesus accused as a politic offender:

Only a few days before this the Pharisees had tried to entrap Christ with the question:

“Is it lawful for us to give tribute unto Caesar?”

But Christ had unveiled their hypocrisy. The Romans who were present had seen…

• The Romans had seen the utter failure of the plotters
• The Romans had seen the Pharisees discomfiture at His answer, “Render therefore unto Caesar the things which be Caesar’s.” Luke 20:22-25.

Now the priests thought to make it appear that on this occasion Christ had taught what they hoped He would teach. In their extremity they called false witnesses to their aid, “and they began to accuse Him, saying…

• “We found this fellow perverting the nation”
• “We found this fellow forbidding to give tribute to Caesar”
• “We found this fellow saying that He Himself is Christ a King.”

Three charges, each without foundation. The priests knew this, but they were willing to commit perjury could they but secure their end.

Visual imagination 1   Christ’s appearance made a favorable impression upon Pilate. His better nature was roused.

Biblical evidence

John 18:29-30   29 Pilate then went out to them and said, “What accusation do you bring against this Man?”  30 They answered and said to him, “If He were not an evildoer, we would not have delivered Him up to you.”  

In imagination behold the scene 2009

PIcture: Capernaum area. In Capernaum “His own city” Jesus healed the centurion’s servant (see Matt. 8:5-11)

 Picture: On the picture, you can see the ruins of Capernaum. The Sea of Galilee on the upper side and the synagogue and Peter’s house on the botton side. In Capernaum Jesus also healed the nobleman’s son and Peter’s mother in law.

 Picture: In this synagogue in Capernaum, Christ healed a madman (see Luk 4. 31-37)

Christ’s appearance made a favorable impression upon Pilate. His better nature was roused.

1) Pilate had heard of Jesus and His works.

2) His wife had told him something of the wonderful deeds performed by the Galilean prophet:

• Who cured the sick
• Who raised the dead

Now this revived as a dream in Pilate’s mind. He recalled rumors that he had heard from several sources. Therefore Pilate resolved to demand of the Jews their charges against the prisoner:

Pilate said… 

• Who is this Man?
• Wherefore have ye brought Him?
• What accusation bring ye against Him?

The Jews were disconcerted because..

• Because knowing that they could not substantiate their charges against Christ, they did not desire a public examination.

So they answered that He was a deceiver called Jesus of Nazareth. 

Again Pilate asked:

• What accusation bring ye against this Man?

The priests did not answer his question, but in words that showed their irritation, they said:

• “If He were not a malefactor, we would not have delivered Him up unto thee.”

In other words, when those composing the Sanhedrin, the first men of the nation, bring to you a man they deem worthy of death, is there need to ask for an accusation against him?

Those composing the Sanhedrin said this for two reasons:

First they hoped to impress Pilate with a sense of their importance, and thus lead him to accede to their request without going through many preliminaries.

Second they were eager to have their sentence ratified because…

• Because those composing the Sanhedrin knew that the people who had witnessed Christ’s marvelous works could tell a story very different from the fabrication they themselves were now rehearsing.

The priests thought that with the weak and vacillating Pilate they could carry through their plans without trouble for two reasons:

1. Before this Pilate had signed the death warrant hastily, condemning to death men they knew were not worthy of death.
2. In Pilate estimation the life of a prisoner was of little account; whether he were innocent or guilty was of no special consequence.

Therefore the priests hoped that Pilate would now inflict the death penalty on Jesus without giving Him a hearing. This they besought as a favor on the occasion of their great national festival.