Basic HTML Version
Trial of Christ
169
the throng. Under all the mockery and violence of the mob, not
a frown, not a troubled expression, rested upon His features. He
was dignified and composed. The spectators looked upon Him with
wonder. They compared His perfect form and firm, dignified bearing
with the appearance of those who sat in judgment against Him, and
said to one another that He appeared more like a king than any of
the rulers. He bore no marks of being a criminal. His eye was mild,
clear, and undaunted, His forehead broad and high. Every feature
was strongly marked with benevolence and noble principle. His
patience and forbearance were so unlike man that many trembled.
Even Herod and Pilate were greatly troubled at His noble, Godlike
bearing.
Jesus Before Pilate
From the first, Pilate was convinced that Jesus was no common
man. He believed Him to be an excellent character and entirely
innocent of the charges brought against Him. The angels who were
witnessing the scene marked the convictions of the Roman governor,
and to save him from engaging in the awful act of delivering Christ
to be crucified, an angel was sent to Pilate’s wife, and gave her
information through a dream that it was the Son of God in whose trial
her husband was engaged, and that He was an innocent sufferer. She
immediately sent a message to Pilate, stating that she had suffered
many things in a dream on account of Jesus and warning him to have
nothing to do with that holy Man. The messenger, pressing hastily
through the crowd, placed the letter in the hands of Pilate. As he
read, he trembled and turned pale, and at once determined to have
nothing to do with putting Christ to death. If the Jews would have
[218]
the blood of Jesus, he would not give his influence to it, but would
labor to deliver Him.
Sent to Herod
When Pilate heard that Herod was in Jerusalem, he was greatly
relieved, for he hoped to free himself from all responsibility in the
trial and condemnation of Jesus. He at once sent Him, with His
accusers, to Herod. This ruler had become hardened in sin. The