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Christ’s Trial Before the Roman Governor
This chapter is based on Matthew 27:2, 11-31; Mark 15:1-20; Luke
23:1-25; John 18:28-40; 19:1-16.
Christ stood bound as a prisoner in the judgment hall of Pilate,
the Roman governor. Around Him was the guard of soldiers. The
hall was quickly filling with spectators. Just outside were the judges
of the Sanhedrin, priests, rulers, and the mob.
After condemning Jesus, the Sanhedrin had come to Pilate to
have him confirm and execute the sentence. But these Jewish offi-
cials would not enter the Roman judgment hall. According to their
ceremonial law, entering that place would defile them and prevent
them from taking part in the Passover. They did not see that murder-
ous hatred had defiled their hearts. They did not see that since they
had rejected Christ, the real Passover Lamb, for them the great feast
had lost its significance.
Pilate looked on the Savior with no friendly eyes. Called from
his bedroom in haste, he determined to do his work as quickly as
possible. Putting on his most severe expression, he turned to see
what kind of Man he had to examine.
He gazed intently on Jesus. He had had to deal with all kinds of
criminals, but never had a Man of such goodness and nobility been
brought before him. On His face, he saw no sign of guilt, no fear,
no boldness or defiance. He saw a man whose expression bore the
signature of heaven.
Pilate’s better nature was stirred. His wife had told him some-
thing of the wonderful deeds the Galilean Prophet had performed,
curing the sick and raising the dead. He recalled rumors that he had
heard from several sources. He demanded that the Jews state their
charges against the Prisoner. “Who is this Man, and why have you
brought Him?” They answered that He was a deceiver called Jesus
of Nazareth.
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