The Passion 9

Condemned to Die

            Pilate’s annual custom was to release a criminal during the Passover celebration as a means of placating the Jewish leaders and their people. Ironically, put up for release with Jesus was an insurrectionist against the Roman government by the name of Barabbas. While an enemy of Rome, he was no doubt a hero to the Jews. 

            “The location of Jesus’ sentencing before Pontius Pilate took place in a paved, open place with an elevated platform for the judgement seat (or tribunal), which was near Herod the Great’s old palace, then functioning as the Roman Praetorium.” ^[1]

                  A motivation for the Jewish leaders hatred of Jesus was revealed by Matthew in v.18 of chapter 27, as it states: “He (Pilate) knew very well that the religious leaders arrested Jesus out of envy.” There is no question from scripture that the Pharisees and Sadducees didn’t like his immense and growing popularity among the Jewish people. 

            In Matthew’s gospel, he tells us that while Pilate was sitting on the judgement seat, his wife sent as message to him saying: “Leave that innocent man alone. I suffered through a terrible nightmare about him last night.” Matthew is the only disciple who reveals this.

            In the meantime, the Jewish leaders had begun whipping the crowd up, urging them to call for the release of Barabbas and not Jesus. This entire scenario had been set in motion since the dawn of time and was coming to fruition. When the crowd called for Jesus crucifixion Pilate, who believed Jesus to be innocent, asked the crowd, “Why? What crime has He committed?” But their cries for His death were escalating. Pilate was sensing a potential riot, which he wished to avoid at all costs. So to seemingly absolve himself of any responsibility of an innocent man he called for a bowl of water and washed his hands in front of the crowd. As he washed them he said, “I am innocent of this man’s blood. The responsibility is yours!” In reply they yelled back, “We will take responsibility for his death – we and our children!” Little did they realize the curse they had just placed upon themselves out of ignorance and spiritual blindness. The Messiah they had all long waited for was being sent BY THEM to be murdered. 

            To appease the crowd, Pilate released Barabbas and ordered Jesus flogged, then taken to be crucified. These details were missing from Luke and John, but were in Mark, minus the part of Pilate’s wife.

            Until next time, walk with the King & be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Resource: The Life Application Study Bible.

^[1] https://biblearchaeologyreport.com/2022/04/14/behold-the-man-where-did-pilate-sentence-jesus/