Today’s selected reading continues in the New Testament gospel narrative of the life and ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ as it was written and recorded by the apostle John. More specifically today’s passage is found in the first twenty-seven verses of the nineteenth chapter. “Then Pilate therefore took Jesus and scourged him. And the soldiers platted a crown of thorns, and put it on his head, and they put on him a purple robe, and said, Hail, King of the Jew! And they smote him with their hands. Pilate therefore went forth again, and saith unto them, Behold, I bring him forth to you, that ye may know that I find no fault in him. Then came Jesus forth wearing the crown of thorns, and the purple robe. And Pilate saith unto them, Behold, the man! When the chief priests therefore and officers saw him, they cried out, saying, Crucify him, crucify him. Pilate saith unto them, Take ye him, and crucify him: for I find no fault in him. The Jews answered him, We have a law, and by our law he ought to die, because he made himself the Son of God” (John 19:1-7). “When Pilate therefore heard that saying, he was the more afraid; and went again into the judgment hall, and saith unto Jesus, Whence art thou? But Jesus gave him no answer. Then saith Pilate unto him, Speakest thou not unto me? Knowest thou not that I have power to crucify thee, and have power to release thee? Jesus answered, Thou couldest have no power at all against me, except it were given thee from above: therefore he that delivered me unto thee hath the greater sin. And from thenceforth Pilate sought to release him: but the Jews cried out, saying, If thou let this man go, thou art not Caesar’s friend: whosoever maketh himself a king speaketh against Caesar. When Pilate therefore heard that saying, he brought Jesus forth, and sat down in the judgment seat in a place that is called the Pavement, but in the Hebrews, Gabbatha. And it was the preparation of the Passover, and about the sixth hour: and he saith unto the Jews, Behold your King! But they cried out, Away with him, away with him, crucify him. Pilate saith unto them, Shall I crucify your King? The chief priests answered, We have no king but Caesar. Then delivered he him therefore unto them to be crucified” (John 19:8-16). “And they took Jesus, and led him away. And he bearing his cross went forth into a place called the place of a skull, which is called in the Hebrew Golgotha: where they crucified him, and two other with him, on either side one, and Jesus in the midst. And Pilate wrote a title, and put it on the cross. And the writing was, JESUS OF NAZARETH THE KING OF THE JEWS. This title then read many of the Jews: for the place where Jesus was crucified was nigh to the city: and it was written in Hebrew, and Greek, and Latin. Then said the chief priests of the Jews to Pilate, Write not, The King of the Jews; but that he said, I am the King of the Jews. Pilate answered, What I have written I have written. Then the soldiers, when they had crucified Jesus, took his garments, and made four parts, to every soldier a part; and also his coat: now the coat was without seam, woven from the top throughout. They said therefore among themselves, Let us not rend it, but cast lots for it, whose it shall be: that the scripture might be fulfilled, which saith, They parted my raiment among them, and for my vesture they did cast lot. These things therefore the soldiers died” (John 19:16-24). “Now there stood by the cross of Jesus his mother, and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, Woman, behold thy son! Then saith he to the disciple, Behold thy mother! And from that hour that disciples took her unto his own home” (John 19:25-27). When you come to this particular portion of Scripture you will find the fourth and final account or installment of Jesus’ standing before Pilate before He would ultimately be delivered into the hands of sinners to do with Him what they desired. The more you read the words which are found within this passage of Scripture the more you will encounter the tremendous exchange which took place between Jesus and Pilate—one which began in the final verses of the eighteenth chapter. In all reality I am absolutely convinced the trial which Jesus stood before Pontius Pilate must be carefully considered for if you read the gospel accounts of the life and ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ you will find that Pilate appeared to be the only one who perceived Jesus as being innocent. If you read the four gospel narratives you will find that time and time again Pilate declared unto the Jews and unto their religious leaders that he found no fault with Jesus. After carefully examining Him and asking Him certain questions to try and ascertain whether or not He was guilty of anything that warranted standing before him or even being put to death Pilate determined and purposed within himself that Jesus Himself had committed nothing worthy of being arrested nor even anything that was worthy of being put to death. What makes this all the more intriguing when you take the time to think about it is when you consider that Pilate—who was indeed a heathen, a Gentile and a sinner—found no fault with the person of the Lord Jesus Christ when religion and the religious leaders took great offense to Jesus and the words which He spoke and the works which He had performed during those days. There is something truly astonishing about the words which are found in this passage of Scripture and how this heathen and sinner found absolutely nothing wrong with Jesus nor found any fault with Him based on his own questions which he asked Him and even the accusations which were brought against Him by the religious leaders and those who sought to accuse and condemn Him. I sit here today thinking about the words which are found within this passage of Scripture and I can’t help but be absolutely gripped and captivated with the fact that Pilate was a heathen and a Gentile who in all reality cared nothing for the things of God nor even regarded the Law of Moses and yet after examining the person of the Lord Jesus Christ found no wrong or fault with Him. This is something we must needs recognize and understand for it calls and draws our attention to the absolutely wonderful and powerful truth surrounding the fact that a heathen and a Gentile could see what the religious leaders of Judaism were too blind to see. Pilate—this heathen Gentile sinner—examined Jesus who stood before him there in the hall of judgment and after asking Him questions found in Him nothing that was worthy of death. Oh there is something truly captivating and astonishing when you take the time to think about it for it brings us face to face with the incredible reality of the Lord Jesus standing before Pontius Pilate who was the Roman prefect and governor over the city of Jerusalem who had been appointed by Rome and Caesar himself. Here was Pontius Pilate who was the Roman governor who was given authority over the city of Jerusalem and the inhabitants therein and had standing before him and in his presence the eternal and only begotten Son of the living God. What’s more is that not only did Jesus the eternal Son of the living God stand before Him but He stood before Him accused by His own people. Moreover Jesus—the eternal and only begotten Son of the living God—would stand before Pontius Pilate wrongly and falsely accused in his presence by those whose witness and testimony didn’t even agree with each other. Even when Jesus stood before the religious leaders before ever appearing before Pilate the false accusations which were brought against Him did not agree together. The more I think about the words which are found in this passage of Scripture the more I am brought face to face with the incredible truth surrounding the Lord Jesus standing before Pontius Pilate and this Roman governor asking Him questions concerning His idenity, His purpose on the earth and even what He had done that would warrant the Jews together with their leaders bringing Him unto the hall of judgment and even accusing Him. What’s more is Scripture even reveals how Pilate knew and understood that the Jews had delivered Jesus up unto him out of envy and this heathen and Gentile sinner who oversaw the governance of the city of Jerusalem and was entrusted to keep order in the midst of the city recognized that there was indeed no fault in the person of the Lord Jesus Christ. Oh there is something to be said about the account of Jesus standing trial before Pontius Pilate—particularly when you think about and consider the fact that Pilate was one who neither regarded the living God nor even the Law of Moses and yet he had personally found no fault with the person of the Lord Jesus Christ. Pilate was one who had heard the accusations which the Jews together with their leaders brought against the person of the Lord Jesus Christ and even asked Jesus his own questions and yet after and in spite of all of that he had personally found no fault with Jesus based on anything he had heard. Oh what a truly captivating and powerful reality this is when you truly take the time to think about and consider it for there is something to be said about this heathen and Gentile sinner who examined the person of the Lord Jesus Christ and could find no wrong nor any fault with Him. Here was this Roman governor who was entrusted to keep the peace and order within the city of Jerusalem and yet when Jesus the eternal Son of the living God stood before Him accused by the Jews and their religious leaders he could find no wrong nor fault within Him. I am absolutely convinced that in order to truly understand that which is found within this exchange which took place between Jesus the eternal and only begotten Son of the living God and Pilate who was the governor over the city of Jerusalem appointed by Rome itself there is a great need to consider the accounts as they are presented in the previous gospels. In addition to the words which are found within the eighteenth and nineteenth chapters of this particular gospel there were three other accounts of the exchange which took place between Pontius Pilate and the Lord Jesus Christ which are found within the three Synoptic gospels. The more I read and consider this and how absolutely incredible it truly is the more I am absolutely gripped and captivated with and by the fact that this heathen Gentile and sinner asked Jesus his own questions and could find no wrong or fault with Him. Not only this but even though Pilate heard countless arguments and accusations which were spoken against the Lord Jesus Christ he still found no wrongdoing nor fault within Him. What makes this all the more captivating when you take the time to think about it is the fact that nowhere in any of the four gospels do you or will you find that Rome ever took any offense to the person of the Lord Jesus Christ. Read each of the four gospels beginning with the gospel narrative written by the apostle Matthew and there is absolutely nowhere you will find Rome ever coming unto Jesus to break up the crowds and multitudes which had gathered themselves unto Him. Try and try as hard as you might within the four gospels and you will not find a single account of Roman soldiers and/or centurions coming to those places where the Lord Jesus was in an attempt to disperse and disband the crowd and multitude. What’s more is the only account of any Roman centurion coming unto the person of the Lord Jesus is that Roman centurion whose servant was sick and unto the point of death entertaining Jesus on behalf of that servant. I find it absolutely incredible to consider this particular truth and how nowhere in any of the four gospels can or will you find any account of Rome being offended with the words which the Lord Jesus had spoken. Even when Jesus spoke of the kingdom of heaven there is absolutely no mention of Rome itself being offended with the words which the Lord Jesus had spoken unto the crowds and multitudes. Despite the vast crowds and multitudes which had gathered themselves unto the person of the Lord Jesus Christ to hear His words and to witness and behold the miracles He would work there is absolutely no mention of Rome itself ever being angered or offended with that which Jesus had taught or done during that generation. Oh there is something truly captivating when you take the time to think about this for it brings us face to face with the absolutely wonderful reality of the person of the Lord Jesus Christ being that one who seemed to never and not once offend or anger Rome or any of its soldiers, centurions or any of those whom it had established and put in place in government and power within Judaea and Galilee. You can try searching any of the four gospel narratives and there is absolutely no place within any of them where you will find an account of Rome itself being angered and offended with the words and works of the Lord Jesus Christ and seeking to silence Him. Despite the fact you will read of the Jews’ persecution of Jesus, the Jews’ desire to stone Him, the Jews’ desire to put Him to death and the Jews great hostility, anger and offense with the Lord Jesus Christ there is absolutely no place within any of the gospels where you will find any mention of Rome itself being offended with the person of the Lord Jesus Christ. The more I think about and consider the words which are found within this passage of Scripture the more I am brought face to face with the incredible truth that is found within each of the gospel accounts concerning Jesus’ standing before Pontius Pilate who was indeed a representation of the most powerful government in the earth during those days and at that time. We dare not miss and lose sight of this for there is something to be said about Jesus standing before a representative of the most powerful government that was present in the earth during those days and being accused by religious, by religious leaders and even by His own people whom he had come unto from the Father. Essentially that which we find there in the judgment hall was a powerful collision of the power and authority that was present within the Roman Empire which was the dominant superpower and authority in the earth during those days and the kingdom of heaven. What’s more is that within these accounts you will find that one who was indeed the Lion of the tribe of Judah and the one whom the prophet Isaiah had spoken of who would sit upon the throne of His father David standing before the governor over the city of Jerusalem and the region of Judaea. Jesus was the representative of heaven itself and the authority that was present within the kingdom of heaven and there He would stand before the representative of the Roman Empire which was present within and upon the earth. Oh there is something to be said about this and how absolutely incredible this truly is when you take the time to think about it. Essentially what we find here on this particular day was an exchange between the kingdom of heaven and the Roman Empire which was established upon the earth. What’s more is even when Pilate asked Jesus if He recognized that He had the power to sentence Him to death or release Him Jesus would declare that he would have no power or authority over Him if it weren’t given unto Him by His Father which was in heaven. With all of this being written in this particular writing I find it absolutely necessary to call and draw your attention to the absolutely incredible truth that is found within each of the four gospel accounts of Jesus’ standing trial before Pontius Pilate there in the hall of judgment within the city of Jerusalem. I am absolutely convinced that in order to truly understand that which is found in this fourth account and installment of Jesus standing trial before Pontius Pilate we must needs consider the full and complete picture of Jesus standing trial before Pilate as it was presented by each of the four gospel authors. Each of the four gospel authors had their own way of explaining the events which took place on this particular day as each would write according to the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. Oh there is a great need to consider the words and language found within these gospel accounts for they call and bring our attention to the truth surrounding Jesus’ standing trial before Pontius Pilate who neither cared for the things of God nor even the Law of Moses itself. It is having said all of this I find it absolutely necessary to call and draw your attention to each of these accounts as they were written and recorded by the four gospel authors as they help to shine a great amount of light on to the full and complete picture of Jesus’ standing trial before this Roman governor who was indeed the representative of the Roman government and the Roman Empire which controlled much of the known earth during those days. It is with this in mind I now invite you to consider the following accounts of Jesus’ standing trial before Pontius Pilate after being brought unto Him by the Jews together with their religious leaders. Consider if you will the following words which are found within each of the four gospel narratives beginning with the New Testament gospel narrative written by the apostle Matthew: “When the morning was come, all the chief priests and elders of the people took counsel against Jesus to put him to death: and when they had bound him, they led him away, and delivered him to Pontius Pilate the governor” (Matthew 27:1-2). “And Jesus stood before the governor: and the governor asked him, saying, Art thou the King of the Jews? And Jesus said unto him, Thou sayest. And when he was accused of the chief priests, he answered nothing. Then said Pilate unto him, hearest how many things they witness against thee? And he answered him to never a word; insomuch that the governor marveled greatly. Now at that feast the governor was wont to release unto the people a prisoner, whom they would. And they had then a notable prisoner, called Barabbas. Therefore when they were gathered together, Pilate said unto them, Whom will ye that I release unto you? Barabbas, or Jesus which is called Christ? For he knew that for envy they had delivered him. When he was set down on the judgment seat, his wife sent unto him, saying, Have thou nothing to do with that just man: for I have suffered many things this day in a dream because of him. But the chief priests and elders persuaded the multitude that they should ask Barabbas, and destroy Jesus. The governor answered and said unto them, Whether of the twain will ye that I release unto you? They said, Barabbas. Pilate saith unto them, What shall I do then with Jesus which is called Christ? They all say unto him, let him be crucified. And the governor said, Why, what evil hath he done? But they cried out the more, saying, Let him be crucified. 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. Then answered all the people, and said, His blood be on us, and our children. Then released he Barabbas unto them: and when he had scourged Jesus, he delivered him to be crucified. Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the common hall, and gathered unto him the whole band of soldiers. And they stripped him, and put on him a scarlet robe. And when they had platted a crown of thorns, they put it upon his head, and a reed in his right hand: and they bowed the knee before him, and mocked him, saying, Hail, King of the Jews! And they spit upon him, and took the reed, and smote him on the head. And after that they had mocked him, they took the robe off from him, and put his own raiment on him, and led him away to crucify him. And as they came out, they found a many of Cyrene, Simon by name: him they compelled to bear his cross” (Matthew 27:11-32). “And straightway in the morning the chief priests held a consultation with the elders and scribes and the whole council, and bound Jesus, and carried him away, and delivered him to Pilate. And Pilate asked him, Art thou the King of the Jews? And he answering said unto him, Thou sayest it. And the chief priests accused him of many things: but he answered nothing. And Pilate asked him again, saying, Answerest thou nothing? Behold how many things they witness against thee. But Jesus yet answered nothing; so that Pilate marveled. Now at that feast he released unto them one prisoner, whomsoever they desired. And there was one named Barabbas, which lay bound with them that had made insurrection with him, who had committed murder in the insurrection. And the multitude crying aloud began to desire him to do as he had ever done unto them. But Pilate answered them, saying, Will ye that I release unto you the King of the Jews? For he knew that the chief priests had delivered him for envy. But the chief priests moved the people, that he should rather release Barabbas unto them. And Pilate answered and said again unto them, What will ye then that I shall do unto him whom ye call the King of the Jews? And they cried out again, Crucify him. Then Pilate said unto them, Why, what evil hath he done? And they cried out the more exceedingly, Crucify him. And so Pilate, willing to content the people, released Barabbas unto them, and delivered Jesus, when he had scourged him, to be crucified. And the soldiers led him away into the hall, called Praetorium; and they call together the whole band. And they clothed him with purple, and platted a crown of thorns, and put it about his head, and began to salute him, Hail, King of the Jews! And they smote him on the head with a reed, and did spit upon him, and bowing their. Knees worshipped him. And when they had mocked him, they took off the purple from him, and put his own clothes on him, and led him out to crucify him. And they compel one Simon a Cyrenian, who passed by, coming out of the country, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to bear his cross” (Mark 15:1-21). “And the whole multitude of them arose, and led him unto Pilate. And they began to accuse him, saying, We found this fellow perverting the nation,a nd forbidding to give tribute to Caesar, saying that he himself is Christ a King. And Pilate asked him, saying, Art thou the King of the Jews? And he answered him and said, Thou sayest it. Then said Pilate to the chief priests and to the people, I find no fault in this man. And they were the more fierce, saying, He stirreth up the people, teaching throughout all Jewry, beginning from Galilee to this place. When Pilate heard of Galilee, he asked whether the man were a Galilaean. And as soon as he knew that he belonged unto Herod’s jurisdiction, he sent him to Herod, who himself also was at Jerusalem at that time. And when. Herod saw Jesus, he was exceeding glad: for he was desirous to see him of a long seasons, because he had heard many things of him; and he hoped to have seen some miracle done by him. Then he queionsted with him in many words; but he answered him nothing. And the chief priests and scribes stood and vehemently accused him. And Herod with his men of war set him at nought, and mocked him, and arrayed him in a gorgeous robe, and sent him again to Pilate. And the same day Pilate and Herod were made friends together: for before they were at enmity between themselves. And Pilate, when he had called together the chief priests and the rulers and the people, said unto them, Ye have brought this man unto me, as one that perverteth the people: and, behold, I, having examined him before you, have found no fault in this man touching those things whereof ye accuse him: no, nor yet Herod: for I sent you to him; and, lo, nothing worthy of death is done unto him. I will therefore chastise him, and release him. (For of necessity he must release on unto them at the feast.) And they cried out all at once, saying, Away with this man, and release unto us Barabbas: (who for a certain sedition made in the city, and for murder, was cast into prison.) Pilate therefore, willing to release Jesus, spake again to them. But they cried, saying, Crucify him, crucify him. And he said unto them the third time, Why, what evil hath he done? I have found no cause of death in him: I will therefore chastise him, and let him god. And they were instant with loud voices, requiring that he might be crucified. And the voices of them and of the chief priests prevailed. And Pilate gave sentence that it should be as they required. And he released unto them him that for sedition and murder was cast into prison, whom they had desired; but he delivered Jesus to their will” (Luke 23:1-25). “Then led they Jesus from Caiaphas unto the hall of judgment: and it was early; and they themselves went not into the judgment hall lest they should be defiled; but that they might eat the passover. Pilate then went out unto them, and said, What accusation bring ye against this man? They answered and said unto him, If he were not a malefactor, we would not have delivered him up unto thee. Then said Pilate unto them, Take ye him, and judge him according to your law. The Jews therefore said unto him, It is not lawful for us to put any man to death: That the saying of Jesus might be fulfilled, which he spake, signifying what death he should die. Then Pilate entered into the judgment hall again, and called Jesus, and said unto him, Art thou the King of the Jews? Jesus answered him, Sayest thou this thing of they lose, for did others tell it thee of me? Pilate answered, Am I a Jew? Thine own n action and the chief priests have delivered thee unto me: what hast thou done? Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence. Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king them? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice. Pilate saith unto him, What is truth? And when he had said this, eh went out again unto the Jews, and saith unto them, I find in him no fault at all. But ye have a custom, that I should release unto you one at the passover: will ye therefore that I should release unto you the King of the Jews? Then cried they all again, saying, Not this man, but Barabbas. Now Barabbas was a robber” (John 18:28-40). “Then Pilate therefore took Jesus, and scourged him. And the soldiers platted a crown of thorns, and put it on his head, and they put on him a purple robe, and said, Hail, King of the Jews! And they smote him with their hands. Pilate therefore went forth again, and saith unto them, Behold, I bring him forth to you, that ye may know that I find no fault in him. Then came Jesus forth, wearing the crown of thorns, and the purple robe. And Pilate saith unto them, Behold the man! When the chief priests therefore and officers saw him, they cried out, saying, Crucify him, crucify him. Pilate saith unto them, Take ye him, and crucify him: for I find no fault in him. The Jews answered him, We have a law, and by our law he ought to die, because he made himself the Son of God. When Pilate therefore heard that saying, he was the more afraid; and went again into the judgment hall, and saith unto Jesus, Whence art thou? But Jesus gave him no answer. Then saith Pilate unto him, Speakest thou not unto me? Knowest thou not that I have power to crucify thee, and have power to release thee? Jesus answered, Thou couldest have no power at all against me, except it were given thee from above: therefore he that delivered me unto thee hath the greater sin. And from thenceforth Pilate sought to release him: but the Jews cried out, saying, If thou let this man go, thou art not Caesar’s friend: whosoever maketh himself a king speaketh against Caesar. When Pilate therefore heard that saying, he brought Jesus forth,a nd sat down in the judgment seat in a place that is called the Pavement, but in the Hebrew, Gabbatha. And it was the preparation of the Passover, and about the sixth hour: and he saith unto the Jews, Behold your King! But they cried out, Away with him, away with him, crucify him. Pilate saith unto them, Shall I crucify your King? The chief priests answered, We have no king but Caesar. Then delivered he him therefore unto them to be crucified. And they took Jesus, and led him away. And he bearing his cross went forth into a place called the place of a skull, which is called in the Hebrew Golgotha: where they cru infield him, and two other with him, on either side one, and Jesus in the midst. And Pilate wrote a title, and put it on the cross. And the writing was, JESUS OF NAZARETH THE KING OF THE JEWS. This title then read many of the Jews: for the place where Jesus was crucified was nigh to the city: and it was written in Hebrew, and Greek and Latin. Then said the chief priests of the Jews to Pilate, Write not, The King of the jews; but that he said, I am King of the Jews. Pilate answered, What I have written I have written. Then the soldiers, when they had crucified Jesus, took his garments, and made four parts, to every soldier a part; and also his coat: now the coat was without seam, woven from the top throughout. They said therefore among themselves, Let us not rend it, but cast lots for it, whose it shall be: that the scripture might be fulfilled, which saith, They parted my raiment among them, and for my vesture they did cast lots. These things therefore the soldiers did” (John 19:1-24). We dare not and must not miss and lose sight of the words which are found in each of these gospel narratives for they call and draw our attention to the absolutely wonderful and incredible truth surrounding Jesus’ standing before Pilate being accused by the chief priests, the elders of the people and even the Jews themselves. Each of the four gospel authors write and present us with the account of Jesus standing before Pilate who was indeed the Roman governor appointed over Judaea, Jerusalem and perhaps even Galilee. Pilate was indeed the legal and authoritative representation of Rome itself in the midst of the land of Judaea and Galilee and here we have the chief priests, the scribes, the elders and the religious leaders of the people bringing Jesus unto Pilate that they might persuade him to crucify Him. Oh there is something truly astonishing about the words which are found within this passage of Scripture for within it we find religion bringing Jesus the Son of God before and into the presence of sinners accusing Him of wrongdoing, trespass and iniquity. WHEN RELIGION ACCUSES JESUS BEFORE SINNERS! Oh pause for a moment and consider how absolutely incredible this truly is when you take the time to think about it for it calls and draws our attention to the reality of the Lord Jesus being wrongly and falsely accused of the chief priests, the scribes and the elders of the people of things which He had never spoken nor things He had ever done. I continue to be absolutely captivated and gripped with the tremendous truth that when you read the four gospel narratives you will not find any account nor will you find any mention of Jesus ever angering or offending Rome. Try and try as you might when reading the four gospel narratives you will not find a single account or reference of the Lord Jesus angering and offending Rome with the words which He had spoken nor even with the works which He had wrought among men during those days. There is not a single mention of the Lord Jesus Christ angering and offending any of the Roman centurions nor any of the Roman soldiers who were present during those days. Nowhere in any of the four gospels will you ever find Roman centurions being dispatched unto those places where large crowds and multitudes had gathered themselves unto Jesus for to hear and listen to the words which He would teach and speak unto them. Nowhere in any of the four gospels can and/or will you find Pilate hearing of the Jews’ persecuting Jesus and seeking to put Him to death and sending Roman centurions and soldiers to break up the anger of the Jews and to disband them. Oh there is something truly astonishing about this when you take the time to think about it for it calls and draws our attention to the incredible reality of Rome itself finding absolutely no fault with Jesus—no not a single time during those three and a half years Jesus walked in Judaea, Galilee and Jerusalem as the Word made flesh which dwelt among us. Pilate’s words professing and declaring that he found no fault with the person of the Lord Jesus are absolutely astonishing when you consider the fact that they represented more than simply his view and his opinion of the Lord Jesus. Oh I cannot help but read and consider the words which Pilate spoke unto the Jews and unto their religious leaders concerning his finding no fault in the person of the Lord Jesus and even how he had found no wrongdoing in Him. The more I consider the words which are found in the four gospel narratives the more I am brought face to face with the fact that the words which Pilate spoke unto the Jews together with their religious leaders and how his words represented more than simply just his own opinion and views. Pilate’s words which were spoken unto the Jews together with their religious leaders must needs be carefully considered for the words spoken unto them were entirely and altogether indicative of the view Rome itself had toward and concerning the person of the Lord Jesus Christ. I believe that Pilate’s words represented more than simply his own views and opinions and represented that of Rome itself as he was indeed the authoritative representation of Rome itself—and not only of Rome but also of Caesar who was the most powerful ruler in the world during those days. Oh how absolutely incredible it is to read the words which are found in this passage of Scripture and to consider the fact that Pilate found absolutely no fault in the person of the Lord Jesus—and not only found no fault within the person of the Lord Jesus but also found nothing in him worthy of death. Despite the fact the Jews together with their religious leaders accused Jesus and even demanded that He be crucified and Barabbas released unto them Pilate continued to declare and profess unto them that he had found no fault in Him. This is something we dare not and must not miss and lose sight of for it calls and draws our attention to the absolutely wonderful and powerful reality of the Lord Jesus and how the Lord Jesus was indeed wrongly and falsely accused in the presence of the governor who was present in the midst of the city of Jerusalem and yet this heathen and sinner found no wrongdoing nor any fault within the person of the Lord Jesus. What’s more is that some of the gospel authors even present the reality that Pilate even sought to release the person of the Lord Jesus rather that deliver him to be killed and crucified. PILATE HAD NO DESIRE TO DELIVER JESUS TO BE CRUCIFIED! PILATE DID NOT WANT TO PUT JESUS TO DEATH! PILATE FOUND NO FAULT WITHIN THE PERSON OF THE LORD JESUS! PILATE FOUND NO WRONGDOING IN THE PERSON OF THE LORD JESUS! PILATE SOUGHT TO RELEASE JESUS! Oh the more I read the narratives and accounts of Jesus standing trial before Pilate there in the midst of the city of Jerusalem the more I am brought face to face with the tremendous and incredible truth surrounding the Lord Jesus and Pilate finding absolutely no fault nor any wrongdoing in Him. What’s more is that it wasn’t enough for Pilate to have found no fault nor any wrongdoing in the person of the Lord Jesus for He also sought to release Jesus rather than delivering up to be crucified. Pilate found absolutely no wrongdoing nor any fault in the person of the Lord Jesus and the gospel narrative written by Luke presents us with the incredibly truth surrounding Pilate on three separate occasions declaring that he had found no fault within the person of the Lord Jesus Christ. Pilate found absolutely no wrongdoing nor any fault within the person of the Lord Jesus Christ and had absolutely no interest or desire in destroying and putting Him to death. Despite the fact the Jews together with their religious leaders desired to put Jesus to death and to completely and utterly destroy Him Pilate who was a sinner and had absolutely no regard for the things of God found no fault nor any wrongdoing in Him. Oh how absolutely incredible it is to think about the fact that the Lord Jesus stood accused—and wrongly accused before the Roman governor in the city of Jerusalem—and yet there was absolutely no wrongdoing nor any fault within the person of the Lord Jesus Christ. Pilate who was a sinner and who was a heathen and cared nothing for the Law of Moses nor any of the commands which were written and contained within them found absolutely no fault within the person of the Lord Jesus. Pilate who was indeed a sinner and a heathen who was given authority in the midst of Judaea and Galilee found absolutely no wrongdoing nor any fault within the person of the Lord Jesus Christ. I sit here today thinking about and considering the words presented in this passage of Scripture and I am brought face to face with the incredible reality of the Lord Jesus standing before Pontius Pilate and Pilate finding absolutely no wrongdoing nor any fault in the person of the Lord Jesus. What’s more is that the words which Pilate spoke unto the Jews and their religious leaders must needs be carefully considered when you take the time to read them for they not only revealed his own views and opinions but during those three and a half years Jesus taught among the people there was not a single account of Rome itself taking offense with any of the words which He had spoken. There is absolutely no place within any of the four gospels concerning Rome itself taking offense with the words and works of Jesus during those days as Rome itself seemed to be largely silent and absent concerning the ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ. What’s more is even when you go back even further to the days and times of John the Baptist you will find that Rome itself seemed to care absolutely nothing for the words which he himself had spoken. In fact the only reason why you read of John the Baptist being put in prison was not because Rome itself took offense to the words which he had spoken nor even that he was baptizing in water unto repentance for the remission of sins. The sole reason John the Baptist was put in prison was because he dared speak out against the immorality and adultery that was taking place within the government present in the midst of Galilee. It was because John the Baptist dared speak out against the immorality and adultery and fornication that was being committed by Herod in having his brother Philip’s wife that he was put in prison. What’s more is that not only was John the Baptist seized and put in prison but Herodias who was married to Herod held a grudge and had an offense toward him and desired that she might put him to death. In fact if it was up to Herodias she would have had John the Baptist killed the minute he spoke out against their relationship and the immoral nature surrounding it. Oh there is something incredibly unique and powerful about the narrative and account of John the Baptist for although he was put in prison he would not be put in prison for speaking out against the chief priests, the Pharisees, the Sadducees and the religious leaders which were present during those days. When the chief priests and the Pharisees came unto John the Baptist he was even bold enough to declare of them that they were a brood of vipers. Pause for a moment and consider how absolutely incredible this truly is when you truly read the power and authority that surrounds it. Here we have John the Baptist emphatically declaring of the chief priests, the Pharisees, the Sadducees and the religious leaders of that day they were a brood of vipers and yet for these words and daring to speak out against the religious leaders of that day he was not cast into prison. John the Baptist was never cast into prison by Rome nor was he ever seized by the Roman centurions nor soldiers during those days. Nowhere in any of the four gospels will you even find John the Baptist angering and offending Rome and Rome itself seizing and laying hold of him and imprisoning him. John the Baptist would indeed proclaim the word of the Lord during those days and would baptize men and women in water unto repentance for the remission of sins and yet for none of this did Rome appear to even be concerned with anything he had said or done. This is something we have a great need to recognize and pay attention to when considering the word and language found in the four gospels for within the gospels you will find that John the Baptist was cast into prison—not because he angered and offended Rome but because he had offended Herodias whom Herod had taken unto himself as his wife—she who was previously the wife of his brother Philip. Pause for a moment and consider how absolutely tremendous and astounding this truly is when you take the time to think about it for John the Baptist never angered nor offended Rome, nor Pilate the governor, nor any of the Roman centurions nor soldiers which were present during those days. Consider if you will the following words which are found in the New Testament gospel narratives written by the apostle Matthew, John Mark and even the beloved physician Luke concerning John the Baptist being imprisoned—and not only imprisoned but also being put to death by Herod there in the midst of the prison: “At that time Herod the tetrarch heard of the fame of Jesus, and said unto his servants, This is John the Baptist; he is risen from the dead; and therefore mighty works do shew forth themselves in him. For Herod had laid hold on John, and bound him, and put him in prison for Herodias’ sake, his brother Philip’s wife. For John said unto him, It is not lawful for thee to have her. And when he would have put him to death, he feared the multitude, because they counted him as a prophet. But when Herod’s birthday was kept, the daughter of Herodias danced before them, and pleased Herod. Whereupon he promised with an oath to give her whatsoever she would ask. And she, being b enforce instructed of her mother, said, Give me here John Baptist’s head in a charger. And the king was very sorry: nevertheless for the oath’s sake, and them which sat with him at meat, he commanded it to be given her. And he sent, and beheaded John in the prison. And his head was brought in a charger, and given to the damsel: and she bought it to her mother. And his disciples came, and took up the body, and buried it, and went and told Jesus” (Matthew 14:1-12). “And king Herod heard of him; (for his name was spread abroad) and he said, That John the Baptist was risen from the dead, and therefore mighty works do shew forth themselves in him. Other said, That it is Elias. And others said, That it is a prophet, or as one of the prophets. But when Herod heard thereof, he said, It is John, whom I beheaded: he is risen from the dead. For Herod himself had sent forth and laid hold upon John, and bound him in prison for Herodias’ sake, his brother Philip’s wife: for he had married her. For John had said unto Herod, It is not lawful for thee to have thy brother’s wife. Therefore Herodias had a quarrel against him, and would have killed him; but she could not: for Herod feared John, knowing that he was a just man, and an holy, and observed him; and when he heard him, he did many things, and heard him gladly. And when a convenient day was come, that Herod on his birthday made a supper to his lords, high captains, and chief estates of Galilee; and when the daughter o fthe said Herodias came in, and danced, and pleased Herod and them that sat with him, the king said unto the damsel, Ask of me whatsoever thou wilt, and I will give it thee. And he sware unto her, Whatosever thou shalt ask of me, I will give it thee, unto the half of my kingdom. And she went forth, and said unto her mother, What shall I ask? And she said, The head of John the Baptist. And she came in straightway with haste unto the king, and asked, saying, I will that thou give me by and by in a charger the head of John the Baptist. And the king was exceeding sorry; yet for his oath’s sake, and for their sakes which sat with him, he would not reject her. And immediately the king sent an executioner, and commanded his head to be brought: and he went and beheaded him in the prison, and brought his head in a charger, and gave it to the damsel: and the damsel gave it to her mother. And when his disciples heard of it, they came and took up his corpse, and laid it in a tomb” (Mark 6:14-29). “And as the people were in expectation, and all men mused in their hearts of John, whether he were the Christ, or not; John answered, saying unto them all, I indeed baptize you with water; but one mightier than I cometh, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire: whose fan is in his hand, and he will throughly purge his floor, and will gather the wheat into his garner; but the chaff he will burn with fire unquenchable. And many other things in his exhortation preached he unto the people. But Herod the tetrarch being reproved by him for Herodias his brother Philip’s wife, and for all the evils which Herod had done, added yet this above all, that he shut up John in prison” (Luke 3:15-20). “Now Herod the tetrarch heard of all that was done by him: and he was perplexed, because that it was said of some, that John was risen from the dead; and of some, that Elias had appeared; and of others, that one of the old prophets was risen again. And Herod said, John have I beheaded; but who is this, of whom I hear such things? And he desired to see him” (Luke 9:7-9). I sit here today thinking about and considering the words which are found in this passage of Scripture and I can’t help but be brought face to face with the tremendous truth surrounding John the Baptist and how John the Baptist was put in prison—not because he angered or offended Rome, nor Pilate, nor Caesar, nor any of the Roman centurions. There is absolutely no mention in any of the gospel narratives concerning John the Baptist and that he had offended and angered Rome and it was for that John the Baptist was indeed imprisoned. Search the four gospels all you want and you will find absolutely no mention of any thing John the Baptist said or did that angered and offended Rome and as a direct result of that offense Rome sought to imprison John the Baptist. This is something we must needs recognize and understand for it calls and draws our attention to the incredible truth surrounding the reality that neither John the Baptist nor Jesus the Christ angered or offended Rome nor any of the authorities that were present in Judaea and Galilee during those days. How absolutely incredible this truly is when you take the time to think about it for when you read the words found in the eighteenth and nineteenth chapters of the New Testament gospel narrative written by the apostle John you will find the fourth installment and account of Jesus standing before Pontius Pilate. It would be as Jesus stood before Pilate that Pilate not only sought to release Him rather than put Him to death but also found no fault in Him. This is something which we must needs consider for Jesus had walked in the midst of Judaea and Galilee during those days and there is absolutely no mention of any of the Roman centurions and soldiers coming unto those places where Jesus and His disciples were to disband the crowds and multitudes which had gathered themselves together. Even when and even though Jesus had taught concerning the kingdom of heaven and the kingdom of His Father which was in heaven upon the earth there is absolutely no mention of Rome itself ever trying to defend itself against this teaching which Jesus brought forth during those days. The words which we find in these passage of Scripture are incredibly unique and powerful when you take the time to consider them for they bring us face to face with the awesome truth surrounding nowhere in any of the four gospels do and/or will you find any mention of Rome itself being angered and offered with the person of the Lord Jesus—neither which His words nor His works. I find it absolutely wonderful and incredible to read the words presented within these gospel accounts of Jesus standing before Pontius Pilate and how while Jesus stood before him he would question him concerning His being the King of the Jews. Pilate would ask Jesus certain questions and would even hear the accusations which were spoken against Him by the chief priests, the scribes and the elders of the people and even in the midst of all of that he had personally found no fault nor any wrongdoing in the person of Jesus. Pilate had neither heard anything spoken concerning Jesus by the chief priests, the scribes and the elders nor had He heard anything from the mouth of Jesus that would warrant any wrongdoing and certainly nothing that would be worthy and deserving of death. What’s more is that even when Jesus stood before Pilate there were times when Pilate would ask of Him a question and Jesus would remain entirely and altogether silent without speaking a word—so much so that Pilate would even marvel greatly at how He conducted Himself and His composure which was present during that time. Jesus the Christ would indeed stand before Him accused by the chief priests, the scribes, the elders and even the people and yet Jesus never defended Himself against anything that was spoken against Him. Nowhere in any of the four gospels do you and/or will you find Jesus making any attempt to defend himself against any words which were spoken against him nor any of the accusations that were hurled against him as he stood trial before and in the presence of Pilate who was the governor of Rome. There is something truly captivating about the words and language we find within these passages of Scripture—particularly when you consider Jesus’ standing trial before Pontius Pilate—for within it we find the eternal and only begotten Son of the living God being brought before the representative of Rome itself. It would be there before this governor of Judaea, Jerusalem and Galilee the Lord Jesus Christ would indeed be wrongly and falsely accused based on things He had never said or done. What we must needs realize when considering the words found in this passage of Scripture is that the Lord Jesus Christ was indeed persecuted by religion and the religious leaders of that day and after spending three and a half years trying to seize and lay hold of Him the religious leaders finally had their man. After three and a half years and Jesus slipping through their grasp and Jesus stealing Himself away from them because it wasn’t His hour He would finally be in their custody. It would be the night before when Jesus was indeed betrayed by one of His own into the hands of the chief priests, the scribes and the elders of the people. Jesus would indeed be betrayed by one of His own into the hands of the religious leaders who had vehemently hated and opposed Him during His three and a half years of public ministry. Time and time again the chief priests sought to ensnare and entrap Him in His words that they might find means and reason to accuse Him—and not only accuse Him but also accuse Him of something that would be worthy of death. Oh this is something we must needs recognize and understand for it calls and draws our attention to the incredible reality of Jesus being persecuted by religion, being hated and abhorred by religion and now being accused before sinners by religion. We dare not and must not miss and lose sight of the fact that Jesus did indeed stand trial before Pontius Pilate there in the midst of Jerusalem as the religious leaders of that generation vehemently accused Him of saying things that were somehow contrary to their rules, their traditions and even their law. If there is one thing I cannot help but consider when reading the words found in this passage of Scripture it’s how despite the many accusations which were spoken against Jesus by the religious leaders Pilate heard and listened to them all and found absolutely no fault with this man. Here stood this man whom the religious leaders of the Jews clearly hated and abhorred and yet this heathen, this Gentile and this sinner found absolutely no wrongdoing nor any fault with Him. It’s important to note that not only did Pilate hear and listen to the accusations which were brought against Him by the religious leaders of the Jews but he also asked HIs own questions of the person of the Lord Jesus. Pontius Pilate had absolutely no interest nor any desire in putting Jesus to death and sought any and every means whereby releasing Him. What makes this all the more intriguing when you think about it is how Herodias had a quarrel against John the Baptist and sought to put him to death but Herod himself would not put him to death because he feared the people who thought he was a just man. In a similar manner the religious leaders of the Jews sought to put Jesus to death, however, not only did Pilate find no fault in the man called Jesus of Nazareth but Pilate also sought to release Him rather than kill and destroy Him. Pilate had absolutely no interest or desire in destroying and putting to death the person of Jesus of Nazareth and even his own wife came to him and told him to have nothing to do with this just man because on that particular day she had suffered many things in a dream because of him. What a truly powerful truth this is when you take the time to think about it for within the four gospels we find a representative of the most powerful government on the earth during those days finding no fault with the eternal Son of the living God and seeking to release Him rather than putting Him to death. I am sitting here today thinking about the tremendous significance that is found within the four gospel narratives and I am brought face to face with the fact that the eternal and only begotten Son of God—the image and representation of the Father and of heaven itself—stood before the representative of the Roman government accused by His own people and Pilate found absolutely no fault or wrongdoing in Him. It is absolutely remarkable to think about and consider the fact that it was religion itself that found fault with Jesus and was offended at, with and because of Him while it was sinners who were able to look at Him and find and see no fault in Him. Stop and consider how incredibly unique this truly is when you take the time to consider how Pontius Pilate heard all those words and accusations which were spoken against the person of the Lord Jesus and even with hearing all those words he would still find no fault in Him. What’s more is that not only did Pilate not find fault with the person of the Lord Jesus but he would declare and profess unto the Jews three separate and distinct times that he had found no such fault in Him. Despite their many arguments and accusations against this man whom they claimed was a malefactor and one worthy of death Pilate was able to see through all the accusations, see through all the arguments and see through their envy and sought to release Jesus. At that particular time of the year Pilate released unto them one prisoner in accordance to tradition and on this particular occasion he gave them an opportunity to ask for the release of Jesus or the release of Barabbas. It must be carefully understood that Pilate sought any and every means to release Jesus rather than condemn and sentence Him to death. Pilate had absolutely no interest nor any desire in sentencing the person of the Lord Jesus to death and did absolutely everything he could to release Him into the midst of the people once more. Despite his best efforts, however, the will and desire of the people would prevail as their cry for the crucifixion of Jesus would indeed wear Pilate down to the point where he would in fact deliver Jesus up to be scourged and ultimately killed and put to death by being crucified. The more you take the time to read the words which are found in this passage of Scripture the more you must needs confront your own heart and soul and your personal view of the person of the Lord Jesus Christ. Pilate was a heathen, a Gentile and a sinner and found absolutely no wrong and fault with the person of the Lord Jesus Christ. There is a great need within our own hearts and minds to determine whether or not we have found any wrongdoing, fault or offense with the person of the Lord Jesus Christ. Have there been times within our lives when we have grown angry, upset and even offended with and by the person of the Lord Jesus Christ? Have we formulated our own arguments and accusations against the person of the Lord Jesus—either because of what we feel He has spoken unto us, or what we feel He has done to us, or perhaps even what He has allowed to happen or hasn’t allowed to happen. The chief priests, the scribes, the elders of the people, the Pharisees, the Sadducees and the religious community of that day vehemently hated and abhorred Jesus with a passion and sought anything and everything they could to destroy and put Him to death. With the assistance of one of His own disciples who had betrayed Him into their hands they now had the means to potentially have Him put to death—this despite the fact that they themselves could and would not put Him to death. The religious leaders of that generation were so angered and offended with the person of the Lord Jesus that when they finally had Him in their custody and hands they delivered Him up to Pilate to have Him executed and put to death. If there is one thing we must needs consider when reading the words found in this passage of Scripture it’s the continued attention the chief priests, the scribes and those who would accuse Jesus had to their own traditions, the Law of Moses and the like. As you read the words presented within the gospel narrative written by the apostle John you will find that the religious leaders of the Jews led Jesus from Caiaphas unto the hall of judgment, yet because of the fact that it was the Passover they themselves would not go into the judgment hall lest they be defiled. Pause for a moment and consider this particular truth that even though they were accusing Jesus unto Pilate there in the midst of the city of Jerusalem they were still concerned with their own piety and self-righteousness. The religious leaders desired that they accuse Jesus unto Pilate and that Pilate would sentence Him to death and yet they would not go into the judgment hall themselves because they were worried about being defiled. Stop and consider how truly astonishing this is for on this particular day the religious leaders cared more about their own appearance and celebrating the Passover as a symbol and type of the very One whom they were delivering up into the hands of sinners. How absolutely incredible it is that the religious leaders did not want to potentially defile themselves by entering into the judgment hall that they might celebrate and partake of the Passover and yet that which they were instead doing was delivering up the one whom the Passover lamb and even the Passover itself typified, symbolized and foreshadowed. There is something truly astonishing about this particular truth when you take the time to consider the fact that the religious leaders of the Jews cared more about the observation of the passover and could not see the very Lamb of God whom the Passover foreshadowed and pointed to. CELEBRATING THE PASSOVER WHILE DESTROYING THE LAMB OF GOD! You will recall how twice in the first and opening chapter of this gospel John the Baptist made the declaration concerning Jesus and His being the Lamb of God which took away the sin of the world. This is something we ought not miss and lose sight of for here we have the religious leaders being more concerned about the observance of the Passover feast than they were about the very Lamb of God whom the Passover feast symbolized and pointed to. Stop and consider the fact that the religious leaders were more concerned with eating the Passover lamb not realizing and recognizing that the very Lamb of God which the Passover meal pointed to would be offered as a sacrifice upon the cross at Calvary. The religious leaders would be eating and partaking of the Passover meal and perhaps even the Passover lamb not realizing and at all understanding that they delivered up the eternal Lamb of God which took away the sins of the world. The religious leaders of the Jews were more concerned with an outward and external observance of the Law, and traditions and even the Jewish feasts themselves and could not at all see what was right in front of them. The religious leaders of the Jews could not see the sinless and spotless Lamb of the living God right before their very eyes and that while they were preparing to eat the Passover lamb they were serving and delivering up the true Passover Lamb of God. Neither the Jews nor their religious leaders could see what was right in front of them and how while it was indeed true they were celebrating the Passover meal in observance and accordance to what had been handed down through centuries and generations they were delivering and serving up the true Passover Lamb of the living God. How absolutely incredible it is to think about the fact that there would have been many religious leaders who might have been eating the Passover meal and celebrating the Passover itself which had been celebrated among the Jews since the time of Moses and the children of Israel in the land of Egypt and yet they could not at all see the Lamb of God whom they were delivering up to be killed, crucified and ultimately sacrificed. Little were they aware of the fact that the Passover lamb that was killed so they could partake of the Passover lamb would represent the fulfillment of that Passover lamb as well as every passover lamb which had been killed in generations past. As I bring this writing to a close I find it absolutely necessary to call and draw your attention to the tremendous truth surrounding the religious leaders’ obsession with their own self-righteousness and piety—and so much so that even when they stood accusing the person of the Lord Jesus Christ before and unto Pilate they would not enter into the hall of judgment lest they defile themselves. They were indeed more concerned with being able to eat the Passover meal than they were with that which the Passover typified and represented which was right before their very eyes. The religious leaders cared more about symbols, traditions, rules and external appearances that they were completely and utterly blind to that which was right before them—namely the eternal Passover Lamb which would be offered as a sacrifice upon the altar of the cross. There would be countless Passover lambs that would be slaughtered and killed during this particular feast and yet it would mark the first time when all the Passover lambs which were killed in previous generations as well as the Passover lambs which were killed at this particular time would coalesce and collide with the eternal Passover Lamb which would be sacrificed upon the altar of the cross at Calvary. There is something truly captivating about the words and language found in this passage of Scripture and how on this particular occasion the Jews and their religious leaders would celebrate the Passover and would even partake of the Passover meal and the lamb itself not realizing that the Lamb of God which took away the sin of the world was being killed and crucified upon the cross at Golgotha. Oh that we would indeed recognize this particular truth and that we would come before the eternal and only begotten Passover Lamb which took away the sin of the world. No longer would it be the Lamb of God which “takes” away the sin of the world but it would be the Passover Lamb which “took” away the sins of the world. This is something we must needs acknowledge within our own hearts and lives as we have indeed been called to be those who confess our sins before the sinless and spotless Lamb of God who Himself knew no sin and yet became sin for us that we might have the righteousness of God that we might be redeemed, justified, forgiven and made holy even as the Father Himself is holy.