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170
The Story of Redemption
murder of John the Baptist had left upon his conscience a stain
from which he could not free himself. When he heard of Jesus
and the mighty works wrought by Him, he feared and trembled,
believing Him to be John the Baptist risen from the dead. When
Jesus was placed in his hands by Pilate, Herod considered the act an
acknowledgment of his power, authority, and judgment. This had
the effect to make friends of the two rulers, who had before been
enemies. Herod was pleased to see Jesus, expecting Him to work
some mighty miracle for his satisfaction. But it was not the work
of Jesus to gratify curiosity or to seek His own safety. His divine,
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 reply to 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 he derided, mocked,
and abused the Son of God. Yet he was astonished at the noble,
Godlike appearance of Jesus when shamefully abused, and, fearing
to condemn Him, he sent Him again to Pilate.
Satan and his angels were tempting Pilate and trying to lead
him on to his own ruin. They suggested to him that if he did not
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take part in condemning Jesus others would; the multitude were
thirsting for His blood; and if he did not deliver Him to be cru-
cified, he would lose his power and worldly honor, and would be
denounced as a believer on the impostor. Through fear of losing his
power and authority, Pilate consented to the death of Jesus. And
notwithstanding he placed the blood of Jesus upon His accusers, and
the multitude received it, crying, “His blood be on us, and on our
children” (
Matthew 27:25
), yet Pilate was not clear; he was guilty
of the blood of Christ. For his own selfish interest, his love of honor
from the great men of earth, he delivered an innocent man to die. If
Pilate had followed his own convictions he would have had nothing
to do with condemning Jesus.
The appearance and words of Jesus during His trial made a
deep impression upon the minds of many who were present on that
occasion. The result of the influence thus exerted was apparent after
His resurrection. Among those who were then added to the church,