Chapter 10.

Jesus Let the Authorities

Sentence Him To Death

 

 

Jesus endured a series of trials the morning of April 3, A.D. 30.  After He was examined by Annas, the High Priest Emeritus, He was tried twice by the  current High Priest, Caiaphas, and members of the Sanhedrin, the High Court of the Jews.  Then, by Pontius Pilate, the Roman Governor of Judea.  Then, by Herod Antipas, the King of Galilee and Perea.  And finally, He was examined, scourged and sentenced to death by Pilate.

 

Many souls moved against Jesus: the men in the arresting mob, the authorities mentioned above, the members of the Sanhedrin, the crowd that screamed for His Crucifixion, etcetera.  They opposed God, even as they beheld Him in human form as the Son of man.  Since then, all of these souls have died and been sent to Hell or Heaven by the very One they condemned to a torturous death.

 

As God, Jesus could have stopped the ominous proceedings against Him at any point.  But, He so loved mankind that He went to the Cross willingly.  And, after He paid the sin-debts of all believers of all times and spent 3 days and 3 nights in His tomb, He arose in victory over sin and death.  Early in His ministry, Jesus had said ...

The Father loves me because I sacrifice my life so I may take it back again. No one can take my life from me. I sacrifice it voluntarily. For I have the authority to lay it down when I want to and also to take it up again. For this is what my Father has commanded.  (John 10:17-18 NLT)

 

 

 

Annas Was the First

To Cross-Examine Jesus.

 

As we noted in the last chapter, the mob that arrested  Jesus took Him to the house of Annas first.  He was a former High Priest and the father-in-law of the  current High Priest, Caiaphas.  Apparently, Annas  wanted to see Jesus and ask Him some questions and form his own opinion of the Man who claimed to be the Messiah.

... [The mob] led him away to Annas first; for he was father in law to Caiaphas, which was the high priest that same year.  (John 18:13)

 

 

 

Next, the Mob Took Jesus

To the Palace

Of the High Priest.

 

It was well after midnight, but the chief priests were able to rouse certain members of the Sanhedrin, those who wanted to put Jesus to death.  These avowed enemies of Jesus were invited to a preliminary hearing of charges against Jesus.  An official meeting of the Sanhedrin could not be held immediately.  That would have to be conducted in the Council Room of the Temple during daylight hours.  Nevertheless, Caiaphas began to prosecute Jesus with great zeal.  First, he called for testimony from false witnesses, but their presentations did not agree, one with another.

Now the chief priests, and elders, and all the council, sought false witness against Jesus, to put him to death; But found none: yea, though many false witnesses came, yet found they none.  (Matthew 26:59-60a)

Mark says ...

... the chief priests and all the council sought for witness against Jesus to put him to death; and found none. For many bare false witness against him, but their witness agreed not together. 

(Mark 14:55-56)

 

 

 

Even the Final Witnesses

Disagreed.

 

Matthew discloses ...

At the last came two false witnesses, And said, This fellow said, I am able to destroy the temple of God, and to build it in three days. 

(Matthew 26:60b-61)

And, Mark declares ...

... there arose certain, and bare false witness against him, saying, We heard him say, I will destroy this temple that is made with hands, and within three days I will build another made without hands. But neither so did their witness agree together.  (Mark 14:57-59)

These 2 witnesses twisted the statement of Jesus that is recorded in John 2:19.  Jesus had uttered it as He admired the Temple.  He thought of the Temple as “The House of God”.  And, He was mindful that His own body was also a Temple inhabited by God.  Gesturing toward Himself, He had said ...

Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.  (John 2:19)

With these Words, Jesus had predicted His Destruction and Resurrection.  The false witnesses had missed His point.

 

 

 

Caiaphas Bullied Jesus.

 

Embarrassed by his failure to find valid witnesses against Jesus, Caiaphas adopted an imperious air.  Sure that he was far superior to this troublesome peasant from Galilee, he presumed he could make Jesus stumble into saying something self-incriminating.

... the high priest arose, and said unto him, Answerest thou nothing? what is it which these witness against thee? But Jesus held his peace ..,  (Matthew 26:62-63a)

And, Mark states ...

... the high priest stood up in the midst, and asked Jesus, saying, Answerest thou nothing? what is it which these witness against thee? But he held his peace, and answered nothing. 

(Mark 14:60-61a)

 

 

 

Jesus Predicted

He Would Return To Earth

In Power With Great Glory.

 

Jesus knew what Caiaphas’ next question would be; “Are you the Messiah?”  Mark says that Jesus answered, “I am.”  Matthew says He answered, “Thou hast said.”  The difference in these responses comes from the fact that the various copyists and translators of Bible manuscripts lived in disparate cultures and used the colloquialisms of their peoples.  Think of all the ways Jesus could say “Yes” to Caiaphas’ question in our day: “Yep”, “Sure”, “Right on”, “You bet”, “Exactly”, “Even so”, etcetera.  How would these responses be translated into the languages of different cultures?  The Mounce Reverse-Interlinear New Testament translates “Thou hast said” as “It is as you have said”.  We believe the gist of Jesus’ response is this; “I am the Son of God.  It is as you have said, even though you don’t believe it.”

Again the high priest asked him, and said unto him, Art thou the Christ, the Son of the Blessed? And Jesus said, I am: and ye shall see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven.  (Mark 14:61b-62)

And, Matthew declares ...

... the high priest answered and said unto him, I adjure thee by the living God, that thou tell us whether thou be the Christ, the Son of God. Jesus saith unto him, Thou hast said: [I am the Son of God. It is as you have said, even though you don’t believe it.] nevertheless I say unto you, Hereafter shall ye see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven.  (Matthew 26:63b-64)

The Sanhedrin members present had been invited there to condemn Jesus to death.  They were sure of that.  But, they were shocked to hear Jesus predict that He would sit at God’s right hand in Heaven and someday return to Earth imbued with power and great glory.  Remember. our Scriptures do not contain every Word Jesus uttered, though they do give us Jesus’ Message.  We wonder how many details of His Second Coming He revealed to His enemies that night.  For sure, His Words angered them all.

 

 

 

Caiaphas Demanded

a Guilty Verdict.

 

Caiaphas was enraged by Jesus’ assertions:

·        “I am the Son of God.”

·        “After you execute Me, I will sit at the Father’s right hand.”

·        “I will return to Earth in the clouds of Heaven with power and great glory.”

Caiaphas knew the Sanhedrin members he had invited to this preliminary hearing agreed with him.  He ripped his clerical robe to demonstrate his horror and demanded that Jesus be sentenced to death.

... the high priest rent his clothes, saying, He hath spoken blasphemy; what further need have we of witnesses? behold, now ye have heard his blasphemy. What think ye? They answered and said, He is guilty of death.  (Matthew 26:65-66)

And, Mark states ...

... the high priest rent his clothes, and saith, What need we any further witnesses? Ye have heard the blasphemy: what think ye? And they all condemned him to be guilty of death. 

(Mark 14:63-64)

 

 

 

Many Of Those Present

Derided Jesus

And Struck Him.

 

The anger of the High Priest was contagious.  Many in the chamber rushed forward to shame and brutalize Jesus.  They hated Him for claiming to be the Son of God.

... some began to spit on him, and to cover his face, and to buffet him, and to say unto him, Prophesy: and the servants did strike him with the palms of their hands.  (Mark 14:65)

And, Matthew relates ...

... they spit in his face, and buffeted him; and others smote him with the palms of their hands, Saying, Prophesy unto us, thou Christ, Who is he that smote thee?  (Matthew 26:67-68)

 

 

 

Meanwhile,

Peter Denied Knowing Jesus.

 

As Jesus suffered the indignities heaped on Him by the angry members of the Sanhedrin and their servants, Peter sat in the courtyard of the Palace, warming himself by a fire kindled by the soldiers who had arrested Jesus.  From this location, Peter could see into the room where the preliminary hearing against Jesus was being held.  He saw the ugly and painful attacks Jesus endured.  Fear enveloped Peter.  Abruptly, the maid who kept the door to the palace walked into the yard, paused, and studied him.  

... as Peter was beneath in the palace, there cometh one of the maids of the high priest: And when she saw Peter warming himself, she looked upon him, and said, And thou also wast with Jesus of Nazareth. But he denied, saying, I know not, neither understand I what thou sayest. And he went out into the porch; and the cock crew. 

(Mark 14:66-68)

As Peter walked away from the maid and the soldiers into a remote corner of the courtyard, the town crier, “the cock”, called out his 3 o’clock notification.

 

Luke tells the story of Peter’s first denial of Jesus with these Words ...

... a certain maid beheld him as he sat by the fire, and earnestly looked upon him, and said, This man was also with him. And he denied him, saying, Woman, I know him not. 

(Luke 22:56-57)

Matthew discloses ...

Now Peter sat without in the palace: and a damsel came unto him, saying, Thou also wast with Jesus of Galilee. But he denied before them all, saying, I know not what thou sayest.  (Matthew 26:69-70)

And, John remarks ...

Then saith the damsel that kept the door unto Peter, Art not thou also one of this man's disciples? He saith, I am not.  (John 18:17)

 

 

 

Caiaphas Sought

Further Evidence Against Jesus.

 

Slowly, order was restored in the meeting room.  Those attacking Jesus took their seats.  Some went home to rest and prepare for the official trial in the Temple at daybreak.  Peter returned to warming himself by the courtyard fire.

... the servants and officers stood there, who had made a fire of coals; for it was cold: and they warmed themselves: and Peter stood with them, and warmed himself. The high priest then asked Jesus of his disciples, and of his doctrine. Jesus answered him, I spake openly to the world; I ever taught in the synagogue, and in the temple, whither the Jews always resort; and in secret have I said nothing. Why askest thou me? ask them which heard me, what I have said unto them: behold, they know what I said. And when he had thus spoken, one of the officers which stood by struck Jesus with the palm of his hand, saying, Answerest thou the high priest so? Jesus answered him, If I have spoken evil, bear witness of the evil: but if well, why smitest thou me? Now Annas had sent him bound unto Caiaphas the high priest. 

(John 18:18-24)

 

 

 

Those Near the Fireplace

Questioned Peter.

 

Luke declares ...

... after a little while another saw him, and said, Thou art also of them ...  (Luke 22:58a)

Matthew states ...

... when he was gone out into the porch, another maid saw him, and said unto them that were there, This fellow was also with Jesus of Nazareth.  (Matthew 26:71)

Mark discloses ...

... a maid saw him again, and began to say to them that stood by, This is one of them.  (Mark 14:69)

And, John remarks ...

... Simon Peter stood and warmed himself. They said therefore unto him, Art not thou also one of his disciples?  (John 18:25a)

 

 

 

Again,

Peter Denied

Any Association With Jesus.

 

About 5:00 A.M., some of those near the fireplace asked, “You’re one of Jesus’ disciples. Aren’t you?”

... Peter said, Man, I am not.  (Luke 22:58b)

John declares ...

He denied it, and said, I am not.  (John 18:25b)

Matthew states ...

... again he denied with an oath, I do not know the man.  (Matthew 26:72)

And, Mark states ...

... he denied it again.  (Mark 14:70a)

 

 

 

Again, Many At the Fireplace

Interrogated Peter.

 

After whispering among themselves, several of those standing by the fireplace, challenged Peter’s prior denials.  Of special interest are the words of Malchus, the man whose right ear had been struck off by Peter in the darkness of the Garden.  Though Jesus had restored his ear, there was much blood on Malchus’ clothes.  Perhaps, he wanted Peter to tell him more about the One who had miraculously healed him.

... about the space of one hour after, another confidently affirmed, saying, Of a truth this fellow also was with him: for he is a Galilaean.  (Luke 22:59)

John remarks ...

One of the servants of the high priest, being his kinsman whose ear Peter cut off, saith, Did not I see thee in the garden with him?  (John 18:26)

Mark says ...

... a little after, they that stood by said again to Peter, Surely thou art one of them: for thou art a Galilaean, and thy speech agreeth thereto.   (Mark 14:70b)

And, Matthew relates ...

... after a while came unto him they that stood by, and said to Peter, Surely thou also art one of them; for thy speech bewrayeth thee. 

(Matthew 26:73)

 

 

 

For the Third Time,

Peter Denied Knowing Jesus.

 

John relates ...

Peter then denied again ...  (John 18:27a)

Mark states ...

... he began to curse and to swear, saying, I know not this man of whom ye speak.  (Mark 14:71)

Matthew discloses ...

Then began he to curse and to swear, saying, I know not the man.  (Matthew 26:74a)

And, Luke says ...

... Peter said, Man, I know not what thou sayest. 

(Luke 22:60a)

 

 

 

The Town Crier Proclaimed,

“It’s 6 O’clock.”

 

John, Matthew and Luke do not mention the 3:00 A.M. call of the town crier, “the cock”.  They focus on the 6:00 A.M. call.  As explained in the previous chapter, Mark was a close associate of Peter during the formative years of the New Testament Church.  And, Peter gave Mark the information recorded in his Gospel.  Peter told Mark that during a quarrel with Jesus, he had heard Jesus say, repeatedly, “You will deny me 3 times before the sunrise crowing of the town crier.”  But also, being more specific, Jesus had said at least once, “You will deny me 3 times before the town crier has made 2 proclamations, one at 3:00 A.M. and the other at 6:00 A.M.”  Apparently, John, Matthew and Luke were not aware of the more specific prediction of Jesus.  However, all the recorded predictions were fulfilled.

 

So, referring to the sunrise call of the town crier, John says ...

... immediately the cock crew.  (John 18:27b)

Matthew declares ...

... immediately the cock crew.  And Peter remembered the word of Jesus, which said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. And he went out, and wept bitterly. 

(Matthew 26:74b-75)

And, Luke discloses ...

... immediately, while he yet spake, the cock crew. And the Lord turned, and looked upon Peter. And Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. And Peter went out, and wept bitterly.  (Luke 22:60b-62)

And Mark, referring to both the 3:00 o’clock and the 6:00 o’clock call of “the cock”, relates ...

... the second time the cock crew. And Peter called to mind the word that Jesus said unto him, Before the cock crow twice, thou shalt deny me thrice. And when he thought thereon, he wept.  (Mark 14:72)

Many artists have painted or sketched how they think Jesus and Peter made eye-contact at this poignant moment.  Most convincing are the ones that show a large doorway connecting the chamber where Jesus was on trial and the patio where Peter was standing; it is wide enough for the two men to see each other. 

 

 

The Temple Guards

Further Battered Jesus.

 

As the Temple Guards held Jesus, waiting for His official trial to begin in the Council Room of the Temple, they continued to abuse Him.  Jesus had already been declared a blasphemer and a scoundrel during the informal hearing held at the High Priest’s palace.  So, the soldiers believed He deserved every form of degradation they inflicted on Him.

... the men that held Jesus mocked him, and smote him. And when they had blindfolded him, they struck him on the face, and asked him, saying, Prophesy, who is it that smote thee? And many other things blasphemously spake they against him. 

(Luke 22:63-65)

 

 

 

Quickly, the Full Sanhedrin

Condemned Jesus To Death.

 

When the sun rose, the rulers of the Jews took Jesus into the Council Room of the Temple.  Here, they could hold an official meeting of the Sanhedrin.  They staged a brief trial, repeating the important points of the preliminary trial.  Again, they asked Jesus, “Are you the Messiah?”  Again, Jesus said, “It is as you say, even though you don’t believe Me.  But, you will believe Me when you see Me sitting at the right hand of God.”  Quickly, the assembly condemned Jesus to death.

... as soon as it was day, the elders of the people and the chief priests and the scribes came together, and led him into their council, saying, Art thou the Christ? tell us. And he said unto them, If I tell you, ye will not believe:  And if I also ask you, ye will not answer me, nor let me go. Hereafter shall the Son of man sit on the right hand of the power of God. Then said they all, Art thou then the Son of God? And he said unto them, Ye say that I am. [It is as you have said.] And they said, What need we any further witness? for we ourselves have heard of his own mouth.  (Luke 22:66-71)

Mark states ...

... straightway in the morning the chief priests held a consultation with the elders and scribes and the whole council ...  (Mark 15:1a)

And, Matthew says ...

When the morning was come, all the chief priests and elders of the people took counsel against Jesus to put him to death:  (Matthew 27:1)

Had the Romans not been in control of Judea at that time, the rulers of the Jews would have taken Jesus outside the city walls and stoned Him to death immediately.  But, they did not dare execute Him without the approval of the Roman governor, Pontius Pilate.  Also, because Jesus had so many followers who loved Him and revered Him, they wanted the Romans to bear the blame for Jesus’ death.

 

 

 

The Sanhedrin Took Jesus

To Pilate.

 

A few members of the Sanhedrin were sympathetic to Jesus.  Some believed He was the Messiah.  But, most of them were eager to have Pilate put Jesus to death.  Luke declares ...

... the whole multitude of them arose, and led him unto Pilate.  (Luke 23:1)

Mark says ...

[They] bound Jesus, and carried him away, and delivered him to Pilate.  (Mark 15:1b)

Matthew remarks ...

... when they had bound him, they led him away, and delivered him to Pontius Pilate the governor.  (Matthew 27:2)

And, John discloses ...

Then led they Jesus from Caiaphas unto the hall of judgment: and it was early; and they themselves went not into the judgment hall, lest they should be defiled; but that they might eat the passover.  (John 18:28)

Oddly, though they were seeking to murder an innocent Man, the members of the Sanhedrin refused to enter Pilate’s Judgment Hall.  They remained at the edge of the wide, paved entrance to the facility.  They held that entering the Hall to seek the death of Jesus would make them ceremonially unclean and unfit to participate in their Passover Meals that evening.  Satan and his evil spirits had twisted their minds.  They were thinking, “It’s good to murder this innocent troublemaker.  It would be bad to touch the paved entrance to the Roman Judgement Hall.”

 

 

 

Judas Repented.

 

Judas no longer believed Jesus was the Messiah.  He was possessed by evil spirits, even Satan (John 13:27).  But, he suddenly decided the Sanhedrin was going too far.  He wanted them to defame Jesus, not kill Him.  He gave back the 30 pieces of silver he had been paid to betray Jesus and, as we shall see, eventually hanged himself.

Then Judas, which had betrayed him, when he saw that he was condemned, repented himself, and brought again the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders, Saying, I have sinned in that I have betrayed the innocent blood. And they said, What is that to us? see thou to that. And he cast down the pieces of silver in the temple, and departed, and went and hanged himself. 

(Matthew 27:3-5)

 

 

 

Judas’ Reward Money

Was Used To Buy

a Potter’s Field.

 

After Judas fled the Temple, the priests picked up the 30 pieces of silver he had cast down.  They saw the coins as “blood money”, since they had been used to entrap Jesus who would soon be put to death.  Instead of placing the besmirched coins in the Temple treasury, they used them to purchase a tract of land owned by a potter.  Presumably, the potter had mined all the clay from the field and had no further use for it.  The priests made it into a cemetery for unidentified corpses and the deceased of families too poor to purchase a burial plot in a commercial cemetery.  This began a common practice.  To this day, many communities maintain a “Potter’s Field” cemetery.

... the chief priests took the silver pieces, and said, It is not lawful for to put them into the treasury, because it is the price of blood. And they took counsel, and bought with them the potter's field, to bury strangers in. Wherefore that field was called, The field of blood, unto this day. Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremy the prophet, saying, And they took the thirty pieces of silver, the price of him that was valued, whom they of the children of Israel did value; And gave them for the potter's field, as the Lord appointed me.  (Matthew 27:6-10)

Note that Matthew says Jeremiah “spoke” the prophecy he reports in this passage.  He does not say Jeremiah “wrote” the prophecy.  The prophecy cannot be found in the books attributed to Jeremiah in our present-day Bibles.  Are we missing a book by Jeremiah?  Was it destroyed when Jerusalem was sacked in 70 A.D.?  Perhaps, archeologists will find it someday.  Or  maybe, Jeremiah never penned these words, but the Holy Spirit informed Matthew that Jeremiah had said these words in his day and directed Matthew to quote them in his Gospel.  Either way, we believe Jeremiah spoke the prophecy.

 

Elsewhere, the “Potter’s Field” is entitled the “Field of Blood”.  Peter gives another reason for that title in the Book of Acts.  He says ...

Men and brethren, this scripture must needs have been fulfilled, which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake before concerning Judas [Psalms 69:25,109:8], which was guide to them that took Jesus. For he was numbered with us, and had obtained part of this ministry. Now this man purchased a field with the reward of iniquity; and falling headlong, he burst asunder in the midst, and all his bowels gushed out. And it was known unto all the dwellers at Jerusalem; insomuch as that field is called in their proper tongue, Aceldama, that is to say, The field of blood.  (Acts 1:16-19)

We notice here that the land was purchased in the name of Judas.  The coins used to buy the field were his, and the priests did not want to have their names linked to the property.  They said the tract of land had been donated to the community by Judas.  And ironically, that is where Judas hanged himself [Matthew 27:5].  Apparently, he dangled in a remote part of the field until his rope broke.  When he fell to the ground, his body tumbled headlong into a ditch, and his decayed bowels gushed out.  This gave the residents of Jerusalem another reason to call the cemetery the “Field of Blood”.

 

 

 

Pilate Emerged

From the Judgment Hall

To Meet With the Jews.

 

Since the Jews would not enter his courtroom, Pilate came forth to meet with them.  He sat on the porch.  They stood at the edge of the paved entrance to the hall.  Pilate gave them permission to punish Jesus according to their laws, but the priests insisted that Jesus should be put to death and that they lacked the authority to stone Him under Roman law.  For sure, the priests wanted the Romans to kill Jesus.  They feared what their fate would be if they themselves executed Jesus.  Would the many followers of Jesus rebel and stone them?  Eventually, the Romans Crucified Christ, just as Jesus had foretold.

Pilate then went out unto them, and said, What accusation bring ye against this man? They answered and said unto him, If he were not a malefactor, we would not have delivered him up unto thee. Then said Pilate unto them, Take ye him, and judge him according to your law. The Jews therefore said unto him, It is not lawful for us to put any man to death: That the saying of Jesus might be fulfilled, which he spake, signifying what death he should die.  (John 18:29-32)

 

 

 

The Sanhedrin Lawyers

Began Their Case

Against Jesus.

 

Luke says ...

... they began to accuse him, saying, We found this fellow perverting the nation, and forbidding to give tribute to Caesar, saying that he himself is Christ a King.  (Luke 23:2)

 

 

 

Privately,

Pilate Asked Jesus,

“Are You the King Of the Jews?”

 

Pilate and some of his advisors took Jesus into the Judgment Hall away from the Jews. 

... Pilate entered into the judgment hall again, and called Jesus, and said unto him, Art thou the King of the Jews?  (John 18:33)

Luke declares ...

... Pilate asked him, saying, Art thou the King of the Jews?  (Luke 23:3a)

Mark relates ...

... Pilate asked him, Art thou the King of the Jews?  (Mark 15:2a)

And, Matthew states ...

... Jesus stood before the governor: and the governor asked him, saying, Art thou the King of the Jews?  (Matthew 27:11a)

 

 

 

Jesus Said,

“Presently, My Kingdom

Is Not Of This World.”

 

Again, in response to the question, “Are you the King of the Jews,” Jesus said, “Thou sayest It.”  As  explained earlier, the phrase is best understood to mean, “It is as you have said, even though you don’t believe it.”  Jesus added, “My kingdom is not now of this world.”

... Jesus said unto him, Thou sayest. 

(Matthew 27:11b)

Mark declares ...

... he answering said unto them, Thou sayest it.  (Mark 15:2b)

Luke remarks ...

... he answered him and said, Thou sayest it.  (Luke 23:3b)

And, John adds ...

Jesus answered him, Sayest thou this thing of thyself, or did others tell it thee of me?  Pilate answered, Am I a Jew? Thine own nation and the chief priests have delivered thee unto me: what hast thou done? Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence.  (John 18:34-36)

 

 

 

Jesus Said, “I Came

Into the World

To Enlighten Truth-Seekers.”

 

Pilate was unsettled by Jesus’ comments.  As a Roman, he had many friends who believed that hundreds of gods, appearing in human form, involved themselves in the affairs of men.  “Is Jesus the long-awaited Jewish Messiah?” he asked himself.  “Is He a god in human form?”  Jesus was tall, sturdy and handsome.  He moved in a princely manner.  He spoke eloquently.   

Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice. Pilate saith unto him, What is truth?  (John 18:37-38a)

Pilate’s spine tingled when Jesus said, “I came into the world to speak the truth.”  It was too much for Pilate to process mentally.  He exclaimed, “What is Truth?”

 

Apparently, Pilate and his wife, Claudia, eventually came to believe that Jesus was the Christ.  The Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church recognizes them as Saints.

 

 

 

Pilate Declared,

“I Find No Fault In Jesus.”

 

Luke says ...

Then said Pilate to the chief priests and to the people, I find no fault in this man. (Luke 23:4)

And, John states ...

... when he had said this, he went out again unto the Jews, and saith unto them, I find in him no fault at all.  (John 18:38b)

 

 

 

After Hearing

Jesus Was From Galilee,

Pilate Sent Him To Herod.

 

The priests denounced Jesus.  They roared, “From Galilee to Jerusalem, Jesus has filled Israel with false doctrines!”  Pilate was seeking a way out of this controversy.  When he heard that Jesus hailed from Galilee, he dumped the whole case on Herod Antipas, the king of Galilee and Perea.

... they [the priests] were the more fierce, saying, He stirreth up the people, teaching throughout all Jewry, beginning from Galilee to this place. When Pilate heard of Galilee, he asked whether the man were a Galilaean. And as soon as he knew that he belonged unto Herod's jurisdiction, he sent him to Herod, who himself also was at Jerusalem at that time.  (Luke 23:5-7)

 

 

 

Herod Humiliated Jesus

For Refusing To Converse With Him.

 

When Pilate asked Herod to examine Jesus, Herod was flattered.  Till then, he had felt that Pilate had ignored and derogated him.  Furthermore, Herod was delighted to see Jesus.  He had heard so much about Him.  He asked Jesus many questions, and he hoped to see Him work a miracle.  When Jesus refused to talk to him, he felt insulted.  Exasperated, he and his soldiers mocked Jesus and dressed Him in a royal robe, since the priests said He had claimed to be the King of the Jews.

... when Herod saw Jesus, he was exceeding glad: for 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. Then he questioned with him in many words; but he answered him nothing. And the chief priests and scribes stood and vehemently accused him. And Herod with his men of war set him at nought, and mocked him, and arrayed him in a gorgeous robe, and sent him again to Pilate. And the same day Pilate and Herod were made friends together: for before they were at enmity between themselves.  (Luke 23:8-12)

 

 

 

Back Before Pilate,

Jesus Refused To Refute

His Adversaries.

 

Easily, Jesus could have won His freedom.  If He had refuted His accusers, He would have won.  It would have been the Omnipotent Mind of God versus the puny minds of men.  Besides, Pilate wanted to let Him go.  But, Jesus knew it was time for Him to become the Ultimate Sin-Sacrifice.  In a few hours, He must be on the Cross.  He said nothing.

... when he was accused of the chief priests and elders, he answered nothing. Then said Pilate unto him, Hearest thou not how many things they witness against thee? And he answered him to never a word; insomuch that the governor marvelled greatly.  (Matthew 27:12-14)

And, Mark discloses ...

... the chief priests accused him of many things: but he answered nothing. And Pilate asked him again, saying, Answerest thou nothing? behold how many things they witness against thee. But Jesus yet answered nothing; so that Pilate marvelled.  (Mark 15:3-5)

 

 

 

Again, Pilate Said,

“I Find No Fault In Jesus.”

 

Luke states ...

... Pilate, when he had called together the chief priests and the rulers and the people, Said unto them, Ye have brought this man unto me, as one that perverteth the people: and, behold, I, having examined him before you, have found no fault in this man touching those things whereof ye accuse him: No, nor yet Herod: for I sent you to him; and, lo, nothing worthy of death is done unto him.  (Luke 23:13-15)

 

 

 

Pilate Voiced His Plan

To Release Jesus.

 

During the years the Romans ruled Israel, a tradition had evolved.  At each annual Passover celebration, the Romans freed one prisoner, whomever the Jews selected.  Pilate proposed to release Jesus in fulfillment of this practice.  Luke quotes Pilate saying ...

I will therefore chastise him, and release him. (For of necessity he must release one unto them at the feast.)  (Luke 23:16-17)

Matthew declares ...

Now at that feast the governor was wont to release unto the people a prisoner, whom they would.  (Matthew 27:15)

And, Mark states ...

Now at that feast he released unto them one prisoner, whomsoever they desired.  (Mark 15:6)

 

 

 

The Romans Were Holding

Another Notable Prisoner,

Barabbas.

 

In anticipation of the annual release of 1 Roman prisoner, many Jews had been advocating that a man named Barabbas be freed.  He was admired for leading a rebellion against Roman rule.  In doing so, he had committed robbery and murder.  Since Pilate was urging the Jews to ask for the release of Jesus, a quarrel ensued.

 

As mankind hurtled toward the most important moment in human history, the Crucifixion of Jesus, the Hand of God was evident in this dispute.  The choice was between Barabbas, whose name translates to “son of the father”, and Jesus, who was widely regarded as “The Son of The Father”.  Furthermore, some ancient manuscripts give Barabbas a first name, “Jesus”.  So,  the choice was between “Jesus, the son of the father” and “Jesus, The Son of The Father.”

... they had then a notable prisoner, called Barabbas.  (Matthew 27:16)

And, Mark says ...

... there was one named Barabbas, which lay bound with them that had made insurrection with him, who had committed murder in the insurrection. 

(Mark 15:7)

 

 

 

Pilate Asked,

“Should I Release

Jesus Or Barabbas?”

 

Since Pilate was at odds with the chief priests, he decided to take the matter to the crowd that had jammed into the plaza facing the entrance to Judgment Hall.  He said ...

... ye have a custom, that I should release unto you one at the passover: will ye therefore that I release unto you the King of the Jews? 

(John 18:39)

Mark states ...

... the multitude crying aloud began to desire him to do as he had ever done unto them.  But Pilate answered them, saying, Will ye that I release unto you the King of the Jews? For he knew that the chief priests had delivered him for envy. 

(Mark 15:8-10)

And, Matthew declares ...

... when they were gathered together, Pilate said unto them, Whom will ye that I release unto you? Barabbas, or Jesus which is called Christ? For he knew that for envy they had delivered him.  (Matthew 27:17-18)

 

 

 

Pilate’s Wife

Sent a Warning

To Him.

 

Matthew discloses ...

When he [Pilate] was set down on the judgment seat, his wife sent unto him, saying, Have thou nothing to do with that just man: for I have suffered many things this day in a dream because of him.  (Matthew 27:19)

 

 

 

The Chief Priests

Persuaded the Crowd

To Ask For Barabbas.

 

Mark says ...

... the chief priests moved the people, that he [Pilate] should rather release Barabbas unto them. 

(Mark 15:11)

And, Matthew remarks ...

... the chief priests and elders persuaded the multitude that they should ask Barabbas, and destroy Jesus.  (Matthew 27:20)

 

 

 

Again,

Pilate Queried the Crowd.

 

Matthew states ...

The governor answered and said unto them, Whether of the twain will ye that I release unto you? They said, Barabbas.  (Matthew 27:21)

Luke declares ...

... they cried out all at once, saying, Away with this man [Jesus], and release unto us Barabbas... 

(Luke 23:18)

And, John relates ...

Then cried they all again, saying, Not this man [Jesus], but Barabbas.  (John 18:40a)

 

 

 

Pilate Asked,

“What Shall I Do With Jesus?”

 

Matthew says ...

Pilate saith unto them, What shall I do then with Jesus which is called Christ?  (Matthew 27:22a)

And, Mark states ...

... Pilate answered and said again unto them, What will ye then that I shall do unto him whom ye call the King of the Jews?  (Mark 15:12)

 

 

 

Pilate Hesitated, Because

Barabbas Was Dangerous.

 

In Pilate’s mind, Jesus was faultless, and Barabbas was full of faults.  John says ...

... Barabbas was a robber.  (John 18:40b)

And, Luke describes Barabbas as one ...

(Who for a certain sedition made in the city, and for murder, was cast into prison.)  (Luke 23:19)

 

 

 

The Crowd Called

For Jesus To Be Crucified.

 

Matthew states ...

They all say unto him [Pilate], Let him [Jesus] be crucified.  (Matthew 27:22b)

And, Mark declares ...

... they cried out again, Crucify him. 

(Mark 15:13)

 

 

 

Again,

Pilate Lectured the Crowd,

Unsuccessfully.

 

Luke discloses ...

Pilate therefore, willing to release Jesus, spake again to them. But they cried, saying, Crucify him, crucify him.  (Luke 23:20-21)

 

 

 

Pilate said,

“Why? I Find No Fault In Him.”

 

Matthew relates ...

... the governor said, Why, what evil hath he done?  (Matthew 27:23a)

Mark states ...

Then Pilate said unto them, Why, what evil hath he done?  (Mark 15:14a)

And, Luke remarks ...

... he [Pilate] 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.  (Luke 23:22)

 

 

 

The Crowd Kept Chanting,

“Crucify Him!”

 

Matthew says ...

... they cried out the more, saying, Let him be crucified.  (Matthew 27:23b)

Mark relates ...

... they cried out the more exceedingly, Crucify him.  (Mark 15:14b)

And, Luke remarks ...

... they were instant with loud voices, requiring that he might be crucified.  (Luke 23:23a)

 

 

 

Pilate Had Jesus

Scourged, Beaten and Ridiculed.

 

Before making another attempt to have the Jews vote to release Jesus, Pilate ordered his soldiers to scourge, beat and ridicule Him.  He hoped that this would assuage the crowd’s animosity and that they would then  choose to free Jesus.

 

Scourging was a near-death ordeal.  It was the  precursor to most Roman executions.  A short whip with several braided leather thongs was used.  Small lead pellets and sharp pieces of bone were woven in to the straps.  Jesus was stripped and tied to a post.  His back, buttocks, and legs were flogged.  The lashing weakened Him to a state just short of collapse.  The metal balls caused deep contusions, and the leather thongs and bone shards cut into HIs flesh and muscles.  Pain and blood loss induced shock.  Jesus endured all that and then was made to stand before the crowd suffering spasmodic waves of pain.

Then Pilate therefore took Jesus, and scourged him. And the soldiers platted a crown of thorns, and put it on his head, and they put on him a purple robe, And said, Hail, King of the Jews! and they smote him with their hands. Pilate therefore went forth again, and saith unto them, Behold, I bring him forth to you, that ye may know that I find no fault in him. Then came Jesus forth, wearing the crown of thorns, and the purple robe. And Pilate saith unto them, Behold the man! 

(John 19:1-5)

 

 

 

The Chief Priests

And the Bloodthirsty Crowd

Screamed, “Crucify Him!”

 

Pilate continued to insist, “I find no fault in Him.”

When the chief priests therefore and officers saw him, they cried out, saying, Crucify him, crucify him. Pilate saith unto them, Take ye him, and crucify him: for I find no fault in him. 

(John 19:6)

 

 

 

Pilate Trembled

When the Priests Screamed,

“He Claims To Be the Son of God!”

 

As he surveyed what he had done to the broken Man standing before him and remembered the warning his wife had sent him, Pilate was shaken with dread.  Apologetically, he led Jesus back into the Judgment Hall to seek answers to the questions darting through his head: “Is Jesus divine?”, “What have I done to this innocent man?”, “Will the Jewish God or the Roman gods punish me?”

The Jews answered him, We have a law, and by our law he ought to die, because he made himself the Son of God. When Pilate therefore heard that saying, he was the more afraid; And went again into the judgment hall, and saith unto Jesus, Whence art thou? But Jesus gave him no answer. Then saith Pilate unto him, Speakest thou not unto me? Knowest thou not that I have power to crucify thee, and have power to release thee?  Jesus answered, Thou couldest have no power at all against me, except it were given thee from above: therefore he that delivered me unto thee hath the greater sin.  (John 19:7-11)

 

 

 

The Priests Filled Pilate

With a Greater Dread,

The Fear Of Caesar.

 

Pilate wanted to let Jesus go, fearing he had already done too much to Him.  But then, the priests, aided by their subordinates and Satan and myriad evil spirits, fabricated a winning argument.  They threatened to notify the emperor of the Roman Empire, Caesar Tiberius, if Pilate let Jesus go.  They argued that Jesus’ claim, that He was the Messiah and, therefore, the “King of the Jews”, was tantamount to leading an insurrection against Caesar.  Already stricken with “fear of the gods”, Pilate was overwhelmed with “fear of the Emperor”.  Still, he made one last attempt to free Jesus.

... from thenceforth Pilate sought to release him: but the Jews cried out, saying, If thou let this man go, thou art not Caesar's friend: whosoever maketh himself a king speaketh against Caesar. When Pilate therefore heard that saying, he brought Jesus forth, and sat down in the judgment seat in a place that is called the Pavement, but in the Hebrew, Gabbatha. And it was the preparation of the passover, and about the sixth hour: and he saith unto the Jews, Behold your King! But they cried out, Away with him, away with him, crucify him. Pilate saith unto them, Shall I crucify your King? The chief priests answered, We have no king but Caesar.  (John 19:12-15)

 

Note:  In the preceding verses, John says it was “about the sixth hour” as Pilate capitulated to the demands of the chief priests and sentenced Jesus to death by Crucifixion.  But, Mark indicates that Jesus was crucified at the “third hour”.   

... it was the third hour, and they crucified him.  (Mark 15:25)

Both statements are correct, but to see this we must consider several factors:

1.  In ancient Jerusalem, municipal timekeepers made 

 official announcements of time every 3 hours. 

 At 3, 6, 9, etcetera, a town crier would call

 out the time.

2.  The inhabitants of the city thought in 3 hour

 increments.  When they said the “sixth hour”,

 often, they were referring to the period from 6

 to 9, especially if they used the expression in

 a casual way, saying, “about the sixth hour.”

3.  During the daylight hours, when the Jews used

 expressions like the “third hour” or the “sixth 

 hour”, they were referring to hours since

 sunrise.  But, the Roman overlords reckoned time

 from the midnight hour.

So, when John recorded the phrase, “it was the preparation [day] of the passover, and about the sixth hour”, he used the Roman time of Pilate’s court.  He meant that Pilate sentenced Jesus to death in the 6 A.M. to 9 A.M. timeslot.  And, when Mark says it was the third hour when Jesus was crucified, he speaks as a Jew.  He meant Jesus was crucified at the third hour since sunrise -– 9:00 o’clock in Gentile terms.

 

 

 

Ceremonially,

Pilate Washed His Hands.

 

Ardently, Pilate wanted to show that he was innocent of all charges that could be made against himself.  He didn’t want to be guilty of offending “God” or “the gods”.  But of course, he was.  He had just broken the body of God’s Son.  He did not want to be guilty of supporting the leader of an insurrection against Caesar Tiberius.  But, he was sure that the Jews would take their accusations to the Emperor in Rome if he freed Jesus.  So, with pompous ceremony, he called for a large laver of water and washed his hands in public, declaring that he was innocent of the blood of Jesus, even though he was about to order His Crucifixion.

When Pilate saw that he could prevail nothing, but that rather a tumult was made, he took water, and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, I am innocent of the blood of this just person: see ye to it.  (Matthew 27:24)

 

 

 

The Crowd Eagerly Took Credit

For the Execution Of Jesus.

 

Matthew states ...

Then answered all the people, and said, His blood be on us, and on our children.  (Matthew 27:25)

 

 

 

Pilate Sent Jesus To the Cross.

 

Matthew discloses ...

Then did he [Pilate] release to them Barabbas, and having scourged Jesus, he delivered [him] up that he may be crucified ... 

(Matthew 27:26 Young's Literal Translation)

Mark states ...

... Pilate, wishing to content the multitude, released to them Barabbas, and delivered up Jesus -- having scourged [him] -- that he might be crucified. 

(Mark 15:15 Young's Literal Translation)

Luke remarks ...

... the voices of them and of the chief priests prevailed. And Pilate gave sentence that it should be as they required. And he released unto them him that for sedition and murder was cast into prison, whom they had desired; but he delivered Jesus to their will.  (Luke 23:23b-25)

And, John declares ...

Then delivered he him therefore unto them to be crucified. And they took Jesus, and led him away.  (John 19:16)