As we approach Easter we will consider Jesus’ death and resurrection. In this passage, Jesus’ physical suffering now begins with terrible intensity. He is flogged, which in itself could kill someone (v1). A crown of thorns is made and placed on His head along with a purple robe to mock Him (v2-3). He also then receives a beating with their fists.

Pilate hopes this will be enough to appease the religious leaders (v4-5). But all they want is death as they cry “Crucify Him, crucify Him!” Pilate hopes to pass this responsibility off to the religious leaders again (v6b), but they want nothing less than death which only the Romans lawfully could deliver (v7).

But even the accusations of the Jews were making Pilate more convinced of the truth of Christ (v7b-8). Pilate is beginning to grasp more and more the greatness of Christ. He is looking for answers but Jesus will not speak (v9).

When we are serious about the truth Jesus will be serious with us, but when we chose to play with the truth then Jesus will not play our game. Jesus is gracious to the sincere seeker but rejecting of the scornful.