21: Pilate was here addressing the crowd, not the Jewish leaders. This second time Pilate asked for an answer. But, it was not the answer her was looking to receive.
22: Pilate had discovered that Jesus claimed to be the Son of God. Although he did not believe in the full implications of this; like his wife, he was very sensitive to his own sense of guilt and his superstition. He was trying earnestly to get them to let him release Christ as well.
23: It is such a glory to the plan of God to see that a Roman judge would find Jesus not guilty. And yet, like the rest, Pilate condemned Jesus as a matter of convenience. It was at this stage that the people, likely instigated by the Jewish leaders, began to accuse Pilate himself of disloyalty to Caesar.
Crucifixion was a common way for the Romans to execute someone like Barabbas. The Jews were putting Jesus into the same category with a hardened criminal. Besides this, they may have remembered Jesus’ own words about being crucified.
24: The whole thing had reached riot proportions, a riot that Pilate would not want to be responsible for. Pilate condemned Christ to save his own skin. He was not unaccustomed to perverting justice.
The washing of hands was likely done as a sign to the Jews, instead of being a purely Roman practice. Pilate was familiar with the customs of the Jews, being their governor. It is interesting to see what those around Christ during all of this did to try and expiate their guilt. Judas threw down his money. Pilate washed his hands. The Jewish leaders claimed they would believe Christ if he came down from the cross. Everybody was after justifying themselves. But it didn’t work.
Personal Journal Entry #12029
Prayer Journal Entry #12029
Daily Bible Reading: Exodus 29:1-30:38