Trial of Christ
39
and forbearance were so unlike man, that many trembled. Even Herod
and Pilate were greatly troubled at his noble, God-like bearing.
Pilate from the first was convicted that he was no common man, but
an excellent character. He believed him to be entirely innocent. The
angels who were witnessing the whole scene noticed the convictions
of Pilate, and marked his sympathy and compassion for Jesus; and
to save him from engaging in the awful act of delivering Jesus 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 Pilate was
engaged, and that he was an innocent sufferer. She immediately sent
word to Pilate that she had suffered many things in a dream on account
of Jesus, and warned him to have nothing to do with that holy man.
The messenger bearing the communication pressed hastily through
the crowd, and handed it to Pilate. As he read it he trembled and
turned pale. He at once thought he would have nothing to do in the
matter; that if they would have the blood of Jesus he would not give
[55]
his influence to it, but would labor to deliver him.
When Pilate heard that Herod was at Jerusalem, he was glad, and
hoped to free himself from the disagreeable matter altogether, and have
nothing to do in condemning Jesus. He sent him, with his accusers, to
Herod. Herod was hardened. His murdering John left a stain upon his
conscience which he could not free himself from, and when he heard of
Jesus, and the mighty works done by him, he thought it was John risen
from the dead. He feared and trembled, for he bore a guilty conscience.
Jesus was placed in Herod’s hands by Pilate. Herod considered this act
an acknowledgment from Pilate of his power, authority and judgment.
They had previously been enemies, but then they were made friends.
Herod was glad to see Jesus, for he expected that he would work some
mighty miracle for his satisfaction. But it was not the work of Jesus
to gratify his curiosity. His divine and miraculous power was to be
exercised for the salvation of others, but not in his own behalf.
Jesus answered nothing to the many questions put to him by Herod;
neither did he regard his enemies who were vehemently accusing him.
Herod was enraged because Jesus did not appear to fear his power,
and with his men of war, derided, mocked and abused the Son of God..
[56]
Herod was astonished at the noble, God-like appearance of Jesus,
when shamefully abused, and feared to condemn him, and he sent him
again to Pilate.