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. John 18:29-32

In one of the most wicked and blasphemous moments in history, the religious leaders were trying to use God’s Law to kill the Son of God! Can you imagine this? The depravity of mankind, trying to use God’s own words to kill his Son. This is the depravity that the nation of Israel has succumbed to. 

Notice even a Pagan evil man like Pilate recognizes their deception as he says “Judge Him according to your Law (Torah)” Pilate knows the deception they are trying to pull here, as the religious leaders brought Jesus to Pilate for him to do their dirty work. But as it says all this had to happen so “The sayings of Jesus might be fulfilled”

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 thyself, or did others tell it thee of me? Pilate answered, Am I a Jew? Thine own nation and the chief priests have delivered thee unto me: what hast thou done? John 18: 33-35

Jesus then has an interesting conversation with Pilate, he asks “Are you the King of the Jews”? Notice Jesus’ response, he says “Are you asking or did others tell you that” Jesus wants to know what Pilate believes in his heart, imagine the mercy Jesus is showing the wicked ruler who is about to crucify him. 

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 then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end 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. John 18:36-37

Jesus goes on to make some big revelations here, first  he states “My Kingdom is not of this world” We must understand and remember this, not to get to involved in this current and temporary world as its not Gods Kindgom (Romans 12:2)

Jesus reveals He is the King of Kings and he came into this world to reveal truth and salvation to all mankind

Pilate saith unto him, What is truth? And when he had said this, he 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 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 18:38-40

Pilate tries to be witty and responds to Jesus “What Is Truth”? Atheists today try to use the same response , as if relative truth doesn’t exist. Its clear Pilate has rejected Christ, and what is about to happen is the greatest act of evil in human history. However Jesus used this act to bring salvation to the entire world

The depravity of humanity is on full display, as the people choose to release a criminal over the Son of God. The fact is we are all Barabbas, Jesus has taken our place on the cross to pay our debt of sin Amen!