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Christ’s Trial Before the Roman Governor
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Roman government. Under cover of religious enthusiasm he was a
hardened villain, bent on rebellion and cruelty.
By giving the people a choice between this man and the innocent
Saviour, Pilate thought to arouse them to a sense of justice.
“Whom will ye that I release unto you? Barabbas, or Jesus
which is called Christ?” Like the bellowing of wild beasts came the
answer, “Release unto us Barabbas!” Thinking that the people had
not understood his question, Pilate asked, “Will ye that I release
unto you the King of the Jews?” But they cried out again, “Away
with this Man, and release unto us Barabbas!” “What shall I do then
with Jesus which is called Christ?” Demons in human form were in
the crowd, and what could be expected but the answer, “Let Him be
crucified.”
Pilate Did Not Foresee the Consequences
Pilate had not thought it would come to that. He shrank from
delivering an innocent man to the most cruel death that could be
inflicted. “Why, what evil hath He done?” But the case had gone too
far for argument.
Still Pilate endeavored to save Christ. “He said unto them the
third time, Why, what evil hath He done?” But the very mention
of His release stirred the people to frenzy. Louder and louder they
cried, “Crucify Him, crucify Him!”
Faint and covered with wounds, Jesus was scourged, “and the
soldiers led Him away into the hall, called Praetorium; and they call
together the whole band. And they clothed Him with purple, and
platted a crown of thorns, and put it about His head, and began to
salute Him, Hail, King of the Jews! And they ... did spit upon Him,
and bowing their knees worshiped Him. And ... they ... mocked
Him.” Occasionally some wicked hand struck the crown, forcing the
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thorns into His temples, and sending the blood trickling down His
face.
A maddened throng enclosed the Saviour of the world. Mocking
and jeering were mingled with oaths of blasphemy. Satan led the
mob. It was his purpose to provoke the Saviour to retaliation if
possible, or to drive Him to perform a miracle to release Himself.
One stain upon His human life, and the Lamb of God would have