Pontius Pilate Questions Jesus

And Pilate asked Him, “Are You the King of the Jews?” And He answered him, “You have said so.” -Mark 15:2

The religious leaders secretly tried and convicted Jesus for proclaiming to be God-the Son of the Most High. And although they wanted Him to be put to death, they did not have the power to kill Him. But they knew someone who did hold that power.

Binding Him in ropes and dragging Him to the courtyard of Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor of their region, they insisted on the crucifixion of Jesus.

The religious leaders coiled with hatred as Pontious Pilate asked Jesus directly if He was the King of the Jews. The Pharisees continued to spew their venomous accusations against Jesus, threatening Pilate if he did not convict Him. Jesus stood in silence as these men railed on Him until Pilate agreed to flog Jesus and release Him.

But that wasn’t enough. They wanted Him dead. So they stirred up the people to turn against Jesus. The same people who worshiped Jesus before the Passover as He fulfilled the prophecy found in Zechariah 9:9 fulfilled another prophecy by demanded Jesus’ crucifixion and the wretched murderer, Barabas, be released. (Isaiah 53:3)

How terribly fickle we humans can be.

Why Did Pontius Pilate Wash His Hands

Pontius Pilate had the power to absolve Jesus from His death sentence. But to keep the evil religious leaders content, Pilate left the decision to the people. They could save Jesus or Barabas; they chose Barabas.

To show his disapproval of the matter, he had water brought out, and he literally washed his hands of the matter in view of everyone present, saying, “I am innocent of this man’s blood; see to it yourselves.” And they did. (Matthew 27:24)