Powerpoint Pictures: Bank Robber; Outline Chalk of a Victim; Speeding Car; House on Fire

Imagine you were a judge, and before you came the following people.  What verdict would you give them?

Someone who robbed a bank.  Guilty or not guilty?

Someone who murdered someone.  Guilty or not guilty?

Someone who drove 100mph down a High Street.  Guilty or not guilty?

Someone who on purpose burned down a house.  Guilty or not guilty?

In the next part of the story of how Jesus died, we find ourselves back in another courtroom, not of the religious leaders, but of Pilate the Roman Governor.

The religious leaders were saying that Jesus was a king.  A rival king who was going to lead a rebellion against the Romans.  Pilate listened to what they were charging Jesus with, but he knew that Jesus was innocent.

The religious leaders went on and on, and soon a crowd had gathered.

Eventually Pilate said, “I’ll tell you what I’ll do.  At this time each year, I release a prisoner.  Do you want me to release Jesus or this man who is guilty of being part of a rebellion and a murder, Barabbas?”

Pilate was sure they would say Jesus.

But they, egged on by the religious leaders, shouted Barrabas!

“What shall I do then, with the one you call the king of the Jews?” Pilate asked them.  “Crucify him!” they shouted.” (Mark 15:12-13)

Pilate, even though he knew Jesus was innocent, said He was guilty and sentenced Him to death on a cross.  Pilate handed Jesus over to his soldiers.  What will happen to him next?