CHAPTER 127/Tried by the Sanhedrin, then on to Pilate -Continue

 It is still early in the morning when Jesus is taken to the palace of Pontius Pilate. But the Jews taking him there refuse to enter. They think that such contact with Gentiles will defile them. They disqualify them from eating the meal of Nisan 15, the first day of the Festival of unleavened Bread, which is viewed as part of the Passover period.

Pilate comes out and asks them: "What accusation do you bring against this man?" They respond: "If this man were not a wrongdoer, we would not have handed him over to you." Pilate may feel that they are trying to pressure him, so he says: "Take him yourselves and judge him according to your law." The Jews reveal their murderous intent, replying: "It is not lawful for us to kill anyone."  -JOHN 18:29-31. 

Actually, if they kill Jesus during the Passover festival, it will likely cause a public uproar. Yet, it they can get the Romans to execute Jesus on a political charge, which if the Romans are authorized to do, it will tend to absolve these Jews of responsibility before the people.

Next time: CHAPTE 127/Tried by the Sanhedrin, then on to Pilate - Conclusion

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