Pontius Pilate

At Passover it is the custom that I release one prisoner to the crowd. I offered them the choice: Barabbas, or Jesus who is called Christ.

I am innocent of this man’s blood. The responsibility is yours.

I asked him if he is the king of the Jews. “You have said so.” Then nothing. Not one word, whatever the charge. I confess I was amazed.

I have examined him in your presence. He is not guilty of any of your charges. Nor did Herod find him guilty. He has done nothing that deserves death. I shall therefore have him punished and released.

I asked him whether he is the king of the Jews. He maintains his kingdom is not from this world.

What is truth?

I can find nothing to charge him with. They want Barabbas instead. Barabbas took part in an uprising.

Here is the man.

When they said he claimed to be the Son of God, I got more afraid. Went back in and asked him where he's from. Nothing. I told him I have the power to free him or crucify him. He said I'd have no power over him at all unless it had been given me from above.

The chief priests told me, “Our only king is Caesar.” I handed him over to be crucified.

They wanted it changed. What I have written, I have written.

John@johnzebedeePilate's notice on the cross: JESUS OF NAZARETH, THE KING OF THE JEWS. In Aramaic, Latin and Greek.

I asked what the charge was. Their reply: if he were not a criminal, we would not have brought him to you. Most helpful.

Asked him straight: are you the king of the Jews? He says his kingdom isn’t from this world. If it were, his people would be fighting to stop him being handed over. So you are a king? He said he came into the world to tell the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to him.

What is truth?

I informed them that I can find no basis for a charge against him. They grew louder. He stirs up the people all over Judea, they say, starting in Galilee.

Replying to @pontiuspilate

They have thrown everything at him. He has not said a word. I confess I am amazed.

Replying to @pontiuspilate

Galilee? Then he is Herod’s problem. Herod is in town for the festival. Sending him over.

Festival custom: I release one prisoner, of their choosing. So: Jesus, or Barabbas? Barabbas is held for rebellion and murder, for anyone wondering.

Replying to @pontiuspilate

In the middle of all this, a message from my wife. Have nothing to do with that innocent man, she says. She has suffered a great deal today in a dream because of him.

Replying to @crowd.at.pilates

Then what do I do with Jesus, the one you call the Messiah? They said: crucify him. Why, what’s he done wrong? They just shouted louder.

Brought him out to them in the thorns and the purple robe. Look. Here is the man.

When they said Son of God, I got more afraid. Went back inside and asked him where he’s from. No answer. Don’t you realise I have the power to free you or crucify you? He said I’d have no power over him at all if it hadn’t been given me from above.

Tried to let him go. They shouted: if you let this man go, you’re no friend of Caesar. So I sat on the judgement seat at the Stone Pavement. Here is your king, I said. The chief priests answered: our only king is Caesar.

Getting nowhere, and it’s about to turn into a riot. Took water and washed my hands in front of them. I’m innocent of this man’s blood. It’s on you.

Replying to @johnzebedee

What I have written, I have written.

Replying to @josephofarimathea

Surprised he was already dead. Summoned the centurion to confirm. He was. Released the body to Joseph.

Replying to @thepharisees

You have a guard. Go and make it as secure as you know how.