Meanwhile Jesus stood before the governor, and the governor asked Him, are you the king of the Jews?
You have said so, Jesus replied.
When He was accused by the chief priests and the elders, He gave no answer. Then Pilate asked Him, don’t you hear the testimony they are bringing against you? But Jesus made no reply, not even a single charge-to the great amazement of the governor.
Now it was the governor’s custom at the festival to release a prisoner chosen by the crowd. At that time they had a well-known prisoner whose name was Jesus Barrabas. So when the crowd had gathered. Pilate asked them, which one do you want me to release to you: Jesus Barabbas, or Jesus who is called the Messiah? For he knew it was out of self-interest that they had handed Jesus over to him.
While Pilate was sitting on the judge’s seat, his wife sent him this message: don’t have anything to do with that innocent man, for I have suffered a great deal today in a dream because of Him.
But the chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowd to ask for Barabbas and to have Jesus executed.
Which of the two do you want me to release to you, asked the governor. Barabbas, they answered.
What shall I do, then, with Jesus who is called the Messiah, Pilate asked. They all answered, crucify Him! Why? What crime has He committed, Pilate asked. But they shouted all the louder, crucify Him!
When Pilate saw that he was getting nowhere, but that instead an uproar was starting, he took water and washed his hands in front of the crowd. I am innocent of this man’s blood, he said. It is your responsibility!
All the people answered, His blood is on us and on our children!
Then he released Barabbas to them. But he had Jesus flogged, and handed him over to be crucified.
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Even with warning, Pilate still have in to the demands of the people. How often do we do the same? We know what scripture says and the warnings it brings…yet we still give in to the shouts of the world. It’s time we take a moment to hear the still small voice…to hear from God and live for Him. It’s time to quit washing our hands of the responsibility, and be courageous when it comes to following Jesus. Scripture says the cowardly won’t inherit the Kingdom of God…where do you stand?
A Journey With Jesus 