*Luke 23:1-12
Jesus is brought before Pilate by the chief priests who accuse him of political rebellion, but Pilate finds no reason to condemn him.
- Jesus Brought Before Pilate:
- Early in the morning, Jesus is taken from the high priest’s house to the Roman governor, Pontius Pilate.
- The Jewish leaders present accusations against Jesus, claiming He incites the people, forbids paying taxes to Caesar, and declares Himself as a king.
- Pilate’s Initial Interrogation:
- Pilate questions Jesus about the claim of being the King of the Jews, to which Jesus responds affirmatively, though His kingdom is not of this world.
- After questioning, Pilate finds no grounds for charging Jesus and declares Him innocent of the accusations.
- Jesus Sent to Herod:
- Upon learning that Jesus is from Galilee, Pilate sends Him to Herod Antipas, who is in Jerusalem at the time and has jurisdiction over that region.
- Herod, initially pleased to see Jesus, hopes to witness a miracle and questions Him at length.
- Jesus does not respond to Herod’s questions, leading Herod and his soldiers to mock Him, dress Him in an elegant robe, and send Him back to Pilate.
- Pilate and Herod’s Reconciliation:
- Although Pilate and Herod had been enemies, their mutual involvement in Jesus’ case brings them to a form of reconciliation.
23:1 And the whole multitude of them arose, and led him unto Pilate.
23:2 And they began to accuse him, saying, We found this fellow perverting the nation, and forbidding to give tribute to Caesar, saying that he himself is Christ a King.
23:3 And Pilate asked him, saying, Art thou the King of the Jews? And he answered him and said, Thou sayest it.
23:4 Then said Pilate to the chief priests and to the people, I find no fault in this man.
23:5 And they were the more fierce, saying, He stirreth up the people, teaching throughout all Jewry, beginning from Galilee to this place.
23:6 When Pilate heard of Galilee, he asked whether the man were a Galilaean.
23:7 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.
23:8 And when Herod saw Jesus, he was exceeding glad: for he was desirous to see him of a long season, because he had heard many things of him; and he hoped to have seen some miracle done by him.
23:9 Then he questioned with him in many words; but he answered him nothing.
23:10 And the chief priests and scribes stood and vehemently accused him.
23:11 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.
23:12 And the same day Pilate and Herod were made friends together: for before they were at enmity between themselves.