Pontius Pilate

As far as the Jews were concerned, Jesus' crime was blasphemy, but this charge would not warrant the death penalty under Roman law. The Roman government did not care about offenses to the Jewish God. So to make a case that would yield a death penalty judgement, the Sanhedrin charged Him with insurrection against Rome. Unwilling to defile themselves by entering a non-kosher home before the Sabbath and during the Passover celebration, the Jews waited outside while Pilate questioned Jesus. It is clear from the gospel accounts that Pilate had no interest in killing Jesus and probably saw through the intentions of the Pharisees. He attempted to spare Jesus' life, (and gain favor with the jews), by offering to release Him in keeping with the Passover custom. He probably never imagined that they would seek the release of Barabbas. Barabbas was a proven threat to Rome and not a person that Pilate would have wanted the responsibility of releasing. Barabbas was a revolutionary, a zealot fighting against the oppressive roman government. He was essentially a terrorist and had been involved in murder. As many terrorists are to like-minded people, Barabbas was a hero, and the people called for his release. I have thought it strange in the past that the crowd could turn so quickly on Him. Soniclight offered great insight...

"Well-meaning preachers have often said that the crowd
that on Palm Sunday shouted 'Hosannah!' turned right
around and shouted 'Crucify Him!' on Good Friday.
However, it was two different crowds. The Palm Sunday
crowd came primarily from Galilee where Jesus was very
popular. The crowd at Pilate's hall was from Judea and
Jerusalem where the religious leaders where very much in
control."560

Tomorrow's reading: Mark 15:21-41; Matt. 27:32-56; John 19:17-37; Luke 23:32-49