Jesus’ Trial before Pilate
To describe who Pilate was
To explain why the charge
against Jesus was changed
from religious to political
To evaluate who was
ultimately responsible for
Jesus’ death
Mk 15:1-5
And as soon as it was morning, the chief priests held a
consultation with the elders and scribes and the whole
council.
Then they bound Jesus and led him away and delivered him
over to Pilate (the Roman Governor in Jerusalem).
And Pilate asked him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” And he
answered him, “You have said so.” And the chief priests
accused him of many things. And Pilate again asked him,
“Have you no answer to make? See how many charges they
bring against you.”
But Jesus made no further answer, so that Pilate was amazed.
What was the question the High Priest had
asked Jesus (Mk 14:61)? How is Pilate’s
question different?
**Why do you think Pilate asked a different
question?
Preparation of the Case…& Trial
a. The chief priests accused him of many
things so Pilate again asked him,
b. As soon as it was morning, the chief priests
held a consultation with whole council.
Then they bound Jesus and led him away
and delivered him over to Pilate.
c. “Aren’t you going to answer? See how
things they are accusing you of!”
d. But Jesus still made no reply, and Pilate
was amazed.
e. And Pilate asked him, “Are you the King of
the Jews?”
f. “You have said so.” Jesus replied.
1. Write out the dialogue in the
correct order. Mk 15:21
2. What do you think Jesus’
ambiguous response “You have
said so” could mean?
3. Why , in their early morning
consultation, did the Jews decide
they would emphasise Jesus’ claim
to be the Messiah, rather than
emphasising his blasphemy? (look
at p.60 – “Preparation of the
case…”)
**What day & time is it? Remember
Jesus was taken from the Garden of
Gethsemane after the Last Supper..
Who was Pilate?
Evidence for Pontius
Pilate
 Archeological: inscription
found on a stone block
during excavation of a
Theatre that it was
“dedicated to the Roman
Emperor by Pontius
Pilate”
 Historical: Josephus, Philo
of Alexandria, Tacitus
wrote histories during
that time, and mention
Pontius Pilate as the
governor in
Judea/Jerusalem who had
put down Jewish
rebellions
The Roman
Governor
• Governs Judea
(S.Israel) & is directly
responsible to the
Emperor for taxes &
law and order
Pilate and the Jews
•
Pontius Pilate respects Jewish
sensitivities
•
eg Roman standards with image of
the “divine” Emperor removed from
Jerusalem as Jews felt they were a
blasphemy
•
Eg Pilate will make sure Jesus is dead
& allow Jesus’ body to be removed so
it is not left overnight, as it says in the
Old Testament (Deut 21:22-23).
•
Many such incidents between Pilate
and the Jews are recorded by the
Jewish historian Josephus.
• Jews do have a lot of
independence to run
their own affairs eg courts
of justice, but not give
death sentences. Only
Roman Governor can
hand out and carry out a
death sentence.
What does Pilate decide to do?
Why do you think Pilate
offered the choice to the
crowd – Jesus or
Barabbas?