Condemned by Pilate
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Pilate was deeply moved by the uncomplaining patience of the
Saviour. He sent for Barabbas to be brought into the court; then he
presented the two prisoners side by side. Pointing to the Saviour, he
said in a voice of solemn entreaty, “Behold the man.” “I bring Him
forth to you, that ye may know that I find no fault in Him.”
John 19:5,
4
.
There stood the Son of God, wearing the robe of mockery and
the crown of thorns. Stripped to the waist, His back showed the long,
cruel stripes from which the blood flowed freely. His face was stained
with blood, and bore the marks of exhaustion and pain; but never had
it appeared more beautiful. Every feature expressed gentleness and
resignation, and the tenderest pity for His cruel foes.
In striking contrast was the prisoner at His side. Every line of the
countenance of Barabbas showed him to be the hardened ruffian that
he was.
Among the beholders there were some who sympathized with
Jesus. Even the priests and rulers were convicted that He was what He
claimed to be. But they would not yield. They had moved the mob to
a mad fury, and again priests, rulers, and people raised the cry:
“Crucify Him, crucify Him!”
At last, losing all patience with their unreasonable, vengeful cru-
elty, Pilate said to them:
[137]
“Take ye Him, and crucify Him: for I find no fault in Him.”
John
19:6
.
Pilate tried hard to release the Saviour; but the Jews cried out:
“If thou let this man go, thou art not Caesar’s friend: whosoever
maketh himself a king speaketh against Caesar.”
John 19:12
.
This was touching Pilate in a weak place. He was already under
suspicion by the Roman government, and he knew that a report of this
kind would be his ruin.
“When Pilate saw that he could prevail nothing, but that rather
a tumult was made, he took water, and washed his hands before the
multitude, saying,
“I am innocent of the blood of this just person: see ye to it.”
Matthew 27:24
.
In vain Pilate tried to free himself from the guilt of condemning
Jesus. Had he acted promptly and firmly at the first, carrying out his