Truth About The Crucifixion — Page 127
in Jerusalem. When Pilate found that Jesus was from Galilee, he sent him to Herod, who asked Jesus several questions to which he made no reply. And Herod with his soldiers treated him with contempt and mocked him; then arraying him in gorgeous apparel, he sent him back to Pilate. (Luke, 23:11) The previous night, the wife of Pilate bad seen a terrible dream and when Jesus was presented before Pilate she sent a message unto her husband: Have nothing to do with this righteous man, for I have suffered much over him today in a dream. (Matthew, 27:19) Thus Pilate did not desire to have upon his hands the blood of an innocent person. He, therefore, announced to the multitude: You brought me this man as one who was perverting the people; and after examining him before you, behold, I did not find this man guilty of any of your charges against him, neither did Herod, for he sent him back to us. Behold, nothing deserving death has been done by him; I will therefore chastise him and release him. (Luke, 23:14-16) But the Jews would not be reconciled to anything less than death for Jesus. They protested and said: If you release this man, you are not Caesar's friend; everyone who makes himself a king sets himself against Caesar. (John, 19:12) Under this threat Pilate did not pursue his design but had recourse to another device in order to save Jesus. It was customary to release a capital offender on the occasion of the Passover. At that time a capital offender, Barabas, was in custody, and Pilate 119