Deliverance from the Cross — Page 47
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'. (Matt. 2:19-21) for 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 favourable attitude towards Jesus whereby the divine purpose his deliverance from death upon the cross might be facilitated and carried into effect. The attitude of Pilate was affected in accordance with the divine intent, as is said: And from thenceforth Pilate sought to release him'. (John 19:12) Pilate questioned Jesus but found nothing amiss with him. It was the time of the feast of the Passover and at that feast the Governor was to release unto the people a prisoner, whom they would. And they had then a notable prisoner called Barabbas. Therefore, 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'. (Matt. 27:15-18) But the Chief priests and the elders persuaded the multitude that they should 47