Jesus’ Final Friday – Tried by Rome

Jesus has been tried illegally by the Jewish Sanhedrin.  It is now time for them to secure the death penalty from the Roman authorities.  Jesus will first appear before Pilate.  In this first appearance it is obvious that Pilate finds Jesus guilty of no crime.  He states that to the Jews and upon hearing that Jesus is from Galilee, sends the group to the visiting Herod who oversees that area.

Herod has only one interest – seeing if Jesus can perform a miracle.  The objective for his strong desire apparently ties to the fact that he believes John the Baptist, whom he had killed, has been resurrected in the person of Jesus.  Such was his personal explanation for what he heard Jesus was doing in Galilee.   However, Jesus will not offer Herod the sign for which he seeks.  So, Herod concludes that he has noting to worry about.  There is no way this can be John returning to punish his murderer.  So a period of mocking Jesus ensues followed by the order to return to Pilate.

This second appearance finds Pilate attempting again to show the innocence of Jesus.  He attempts to manipulate His release with a couple of plans he has devised.  A prisoner exchange and a Roman beating.  Both of them fail.  Scripture says he knows the Jews are operating out of “envy” so he  appeals again but to no avail.  The mob grows more intent and intense.  Finally, he surrenders to his fear and the Jewish pressure, ultimately turning Jesus over to the Jews for execution.

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