When the Lord Jesus was on earth, the Jewish people were under the rule of the Romans, and although the Jewish leaders said that Jesus deserved to die, they had nc power to carry out their wicked desire. So, early in the morning they took Jesus bound to the court of Pilate, the Roman governor for trial.
The priests told Pilate that Jesus had called Himself King of the Jews, thinking that Pilate would put Him to death for that, as an enemy of the Romans. Pilate asked Jesus if He were the King of the Jews, He answered,
“Thou sayest”, which meant “That is true.”
At a fair trial, persons are allowed witnesses, to speak for them, but there was no witness to defend Jesus: the scribes and priests spoke falsely of Him, but He made no answer, and Pilate wondered at Him.
Pilate learned that Jesus had come from Galilee, and he sent Him to Herod, the ruler of that land, who was in Jerusalem that day. Herod questioned Jesus but found no cause to condemn and sent Him again to Pilate (Luke 23:6-116When Pilate heard of Galilee, he asked whether the man were a Galilean. 7And 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. 8And 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. 9Then he questioned with him in many words; but he answered him nothing. 10And the chief priests and scribes stood and vehemently accused him. 11And 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. (Luke 23:6‑11)).
Pilate asked what he should do with Jesus, called “the Christ”, and they cried out loudly in great anger, “Let Him be crucified!” Pilate said, “Why, what evil hath He done?” But they cried out the more, “Let Him be crucified!”
Then, although Pilate knew that Jesus had done no wrong, he granted the angry men their choice and consented to the death of the Lord Jesus. It was a serious act for a judge to condemn a person not proven guilty, and Pilate tried to clear himself of blame: he took water and washed his hands before all the people saying,
“I am innocent of the blood (the death) of this just person: see ye to it.” Could the water clear Pilate? Perhaps as an official, but not before God, or for the right.
After the quick trial, Pilate let the soldiers take Jesus to a common hall, where all could see them treat Him roughly as they pleased, and mock Him as a king. They put a scarlet robe on Him, a color worn by kings, a crown on His head, a weak reed (instead of a scepter) in His hand, bowed down in mockery, spit on Him, as a sign of contempt, and struck Him, then led Him away to death.
This is the most shameful story that the Holy Son of God, who had done only good to all, should be so treated on earth. But God will some day show “Who, is the only Potentate (Mighty One), the King of kings and Lord of lords”. 1 Timothy 6:1515Which in his times he shall show, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords; (1 Timothy 6:15).
ML 11/21/1943