Early Morning: Before Pilate

In the morning the Sanhedrin has a consultation (Mark 15:1; Matthew 27:1-2), and they send Jesus to Pilate. In Luke this is the time when the Sanhedrin meets, and Jesus acknowledges that he is the Christ, the Son of God (Luke 22:66-71). Matthew alone records Judas at this point trying to return the money (Matt. 27:3-10). When they refuse, Judas goes out and hangs himself, again, unique to Matthew. They buy a "Field of Blood" with the thirty pieces of silver (Acts 1 says it was called the field of blood because Judas fell headlong and died there).

Pilate now interrogates Jesus: "Are you the King of the Jews?" Jesus responds, "You have said so." But Jesus does not respond to any of the charges the priests and elders brought against Jesus. Pilate is curious in Mark and Matthew about this. In Luke, in keeping with some of his special themes, Pilate finds no guilt in Jesus.

Luke also uniquely records a visit to Herod Antipas at this point, who is in town for the Passover. Herod had been wanting to meet him. After questioning him, he put a robe on him and sent him back to Pilate. Pilate again affirms his innocence.

John has more dialog and presents Jesus in a more active, dominant role. Jesus is hardly silent. When Pilate asks if Jesus is the king, Jesus questions Pilate, Are you confessing this or are you just passing along what you have heard from others. Jesus indicates that his kingdom is not of this world and acknowledges that he is indeed a king. As in Luke, Pilate confesses Jesus' innocence.

Pilate brings Jesus and Barabbas before the people, offering to release one of them. In Matthew, Pilate's wife signals to him that she has had a dream about Jesus and that he should have nothing to do with this righteous man. The people want Barabbas and want Jesus crucified. In Matthew, Pilate washes his hands of the whole matter. The people cry, "Let his blood be on us and on our children," probably an allusion to the destruction of Jerusalem.

John tells of Pilate having Jesus scouraged and a crown of thorns put on his head before he appeared to the crowds (19:1-2). Pilate continues to contest Jesus' innocence. The Jews present tell Pilate he is no friend of Caesar's if he does not crucify this man. Pilate sits on his judgment seat at a place called Gabbatha and says, "Behold your king." They deny that they have any king but Caesar.

So Jesus is taken away to be crucified.