(a) Narrate the trial of Jesus before Pilate and the Roman authorities as recorded in Matthew. [11 marks] (b) Give two reasons why Pilate was wrong for cond...

(a) The trial of Jesus before Pilate (Matthew 27:11-26)

• Jesus was brought bound before Pilate the governor. Pilate asked Him, Are you the King of the Jews? and Jesus answered, You have said so.
• When the chief priests and elders accused Him, He gave no answer, so that the governor was greatly amazed that He made no defence to a single charge.
• At the feast the governor was accustomed to release one prisoner chosen by the crowd. He had a notorious prisoner called Barabbas, so Pilate asked, Whom do you want me to release, Barabbas or Jesus who is called Christ? for he knew it was out of envy that they had delivered Him.
• While Pilate sat on the judgment seat, his wife sent word, Have nothing to do with that righteous man, for I have suffered much over him today in a dream.
• But the chief priests and elders persuaded the crowd to ask for Barabbas and to destroy Jesus. When Pilate asked what he should do with Jesus, they all cried, Let him be crucified.
• Pilate asked, Why, what evil has he done? but they shouted all the more. Seeing that he was gaining nothing and that a riot was beginning, Pilate took water and washed his hands before the crowd, saying, I am innocent of this man's blood; see to it yourselves. All the people answered, His blood be on us and on our children.
• Then Pilate released Barabbas, and having scourged Jesus, delivered Him to be crucified.

(b) Two reasons why Pilate was wrong to condemn Jesus

1. He knew Jesus was innocent, for he found no fault in Him and even publicly declared himself innocent of His blood, yet he still handed Him over to death.
2. He acted out of cowardice and fear of the crowd rather than justice, sacrificing an innocent man to avoid a riot and to please the mob, thereby betraying his duty as a judge.