The Second and Third Trials
Jesus was brought before Pontius Pilate, the Roman Governor, and his accusers said,
‘We found this man perverting our nation,
forbidding us to pay taxes to the emperor,
and saying that he himself is the Messiah, a
king.’
Pilate asked Jesus, ‘Are you the king of the Jews?’ He answered, ‘You say so.’ Pilate said to the chief priests and the crowds, ‘I find no basis for an accusation against this man’ but they persisted saying ‘He stirs up the people by teaching throughout all Judea, from Galilee - where he began – to here in Jerusalem.’
On hearing Jesus was a Galilean, Pilate decided he was under Herod’s jurisdiction, so he sent him to Herod, who was in Jerusalem at the time. Herod was delighted to see Jesus because he had heard about him and was hoping to see him perform some sign or miracle. Despite lengthy questioning Jesus remained silent. The chief priests and the scribes stood by, vehemently accusing him. Herod treated Jesus with contempt, mocked him, put an elegant robe on him and sent him back to Pilate.
The Death Sentence
Pilate called together the chief priests, the leaders, and the people. ‘You brought me this man as one who was perverting the people. I have examined him in your presence and have not found this man guilty of any of your charges against him. Neither has Herod, for he sent him back to us. Indeed, he has done nothing to deserve death. I will therefore have him flogged and release him.’ Immediately a shout went up – “Release Barabbas”.
Pilate, wanting to release Jesus, addressed them again; but they kept shouting, ‘Crucify him. Crucify him’. Pilate persisted, ‘Why, what evil has he done? I have found in him no ground for the sentence of death; I will therefore have him flogged and then release him.’ But the shouts got louder and Pilate could see that trouble was brewing.
Pilate called for water and washed his hands in front of the crowd, making sure they understood the symbolism by saying to them, “I am innocent of this man’s blood,” he said. “It is your responsibility”. Then he released Barabbas, who had been imprisoned for insurrection and murder, and had Jesus flogged.
Pilate’s soldiers took Jesus into the Praetorium and gathered the whole company of soldiers around him. They stripped him and put a scarlet robe on him, then twisted together a crown of thorns and forced it down onto his head. Putting a staff in his right hand, they knelt in front of him and mocked him. “Hail, king of the Jews” . They spat on him and used the staff to beat him severely, again and again. When it was time, they removed the fine robe and dressed him in his own clothes. Then they led Jesus away to crucify him.