Jesus Before Pilate

In the morning, Jesus is led from Caiaphas to the Praetorium. His accusers stay outside so as not to be defiled before the Passover. Inside, Pilate questions him: “Art thou the King of the Jews?” — “My kingdom is not of this world . . . To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth.” — “What is truth?” Pilate says, then declares outside: “I find in him no fault at all.” He sends Jesus to Herod, who sends him back (Luke 23:6-11). His wife sends him a warning: “Have thou nothing to do with that just man” (Matt 27:19). The crowd demands Barabbas, a robber. “Thou couldest have no power at all against me, except it were given thee from above,” says Jesus. Threatened with not being “Caesar’s friend,” Pilate washes his hands (Matt 27:24) and hands Jesus over.