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. John 19:7-9

The religious leaders were looking for Pilate to do their dirty work for them. They kept shouting “Crucify Him” to Pilate, and he asked them “What did this man do” ? The Pharisees were so depraved they wanted to kill Jesus because he is the Son of God!

Notice Pilate himself was afraid of what they were about to do, he was a wicked man and yet still had some fear of God. The Pharisees had no fear of God, they puffed themselves up so much they believed they were gods. 

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. John 19:10-12

Pilate tried to threaten Jesus “Do you know who I am”, ?“Do you know the power I possess”? This might sound like us these days, people believe they have so much power and importance, we are just a vapor in the wind, a speck of dust

Jesus replied “You have no authority over me except it was given by God” We need to understand and realize , Jesus willingly gave up his life to pay the ransom for our sins. Once you understand this, you understand the amazing love Christ has demonstrated on the cross! Pilate was starting to realize this and wanted to release Jesus, but he gave in to his fear of losing favor with people. Someday you have to make a choice please God or please Man!

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 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. John 19:13-15

Pilate did not realize he was actually fulfilling prophecy by having Jesus executed and also proclaiming Jesus as King. Even though Pilate meant this with sarcasm , he rightfully professed Jesus as The King and also nailed the title to the cross Everyone in the crowd at this time was yelling “ Crucify Him”! Before we became saved , we were in this crowd also, yet Jesus still loved us anyway! Amazing Love!

It’s no surprise why Israel came under the judgement of God in 70 A.D. having the Messiah crucified. Yet remember this, all power and authority belongs to Jesus, and he laid down his life willingly to save yours! Amen!