Islam - The Summit of Religious Evolution — Page 86
86 that he was a partner in the Godhead and had come into the world to become atonement for the sins of mankind. Having been apprehended, they that had laid hold on Jesus led him away to Caiaphas, the high priest, where the scribes and elders were assembled. He was questioned by the high priest and at the end of the interrogation 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. 29 When they had bound him, they led him away and delivered him to Pontius Pilate the governor. 30 When 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. 31 This was clearly divine intervention on behalf of Jesus and the first step in the divine plan to deliver him from death upon the cross. There is no instance in the history of religion where divine intervention, even through a dream, has ever been frustrated of its purpose. That the dream of Pilate's wife was a true one and was inspired by God is clear from the fact that she was informed that Jesus was a just man, that is to say, he was righteous. That the purpose of such a dream cannot be frustrated had already been manifested through a dream, which was aimed at securing the safety of Jesus when he was still a baby. Behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him. When he arose, he took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt: and was there until the death of Herod. 32 But when Herod was dead, behold, an angel of the Lord appeareth in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and go into the land of Israel: for they are dead which sought the young child's life. And he arose, and took the young child and his mother, and came into the land of Israel. 33 This meant that no harm could have come to the child in Egypt, as he would be under divine protection. In the same way, the purpose of the dream seen by Pilate's wife was to persuade Pilate to adopt a favorable attitude towards Jesus whereby the divine purpose for his deliverance from death upon the cross might be facilitated and fulfilled. The attitude of Pilate was affected in accordance with the divine intent, as is said: 34 And from thenceforth Pilate sought to release him According to the Bible, Pilate questioned Jesus but found nothing amiss with him. It was the time for the Passover feast and at that feast it was customary for the Governor to release a prisoner to the people. Pilate attempted to use the occasion as an excuse to release Jesus. He offered to release either Jesus or Barabbas, knowing fully well that Jesus was innocent of the charges while Barabbas was a convicted felon. Contrary to his expectations, the Jews sought Barabbas’ release. Biblical corroboration of the event follows: