After Pilate ordered the customary pre-crucifixion scourging with whips of bone and lead, himself not actually participating, and Jesus suffering many painful indignities, he again attempts to persuade the crowd to see the disparity between their hostility and Jesus' non-threatening manner. This is done in an attempt to bring them to their senses in order to secure Jesus' release. (Also it can be said to relieve Pilate of this unwanted duty.)

"BEHOLD THE MAN!" As Jesus steps forward upon Pilate's proclamation, with His blood-soaked lacerated body dressed in mock coronation of purple robe and crown of thorns, only a pitiless heart would not be moved by such a scene, no matter the man's supposed crime. But unmoved they were! How many of us have cringed and withdrawn at the sight or sound of the deserved punishment of another? But yet here were hearts so cold, caught up in that immediacy of mob mentality, spurred on by the calloused Council, they cried for more blood, "CRUCIFY...CRUCIFY." "HIM" not found in the Greek. They will not be denied!

It is interesting to note the attitudes seen in the motives of these players of this scene:

Pilate didn't want involvement, the crowd was blindly obedient, but Jesus was fully cognizant and a willing participant in this torturous hour that will lead to His Triumphal Victory!

Upon Pilate's insistence of Jesus' innocence (vs.6), the Jews are at last forced to reveal their real reason for wanting Him dead per their law. This ploy is of no recent and rash reasoning by them. The seeds of their discontent and decision can be traced back almost three years, with their intent perfectly known by Jesus. But Pilate is not yet privy to their long-standing conspiracy and most recent illegal act of condemning Jesus at night without his permission.

Already disturbed by this politically dangerous uprising and his wife's admonition from her dream, Pilate becomes more troubled upon hearing of Jesus' possible divine origin. There existed at that time, much like today, a strong expectancy among the people of an impending intervention in human history of a divine Supernatural coming (called, a parousia). In Pilate's mind, quite likely, was that haunting question of the non-religious of any day: Could this be the time, and could this be the One? And what of me if it is? Disturbing thoughts to the unprepared! Little does Pilate know just how founded his fears are! For he truly stands in the presence of that One long-expected.

Unlike His response to the receptive Samaritan woman's inquiry into His identity, Jesus withholds His answer to Pilate when asked point blank, "WHENCE ART THOU?" Something about Pilate's heart restrains Jesus' voice that Pilate might not recognize it. And so, he will not hear the voice of the Shepherd's call to enter into Truth today. Sufficient evidence already existed for Pilate's discernment and belief. (10:22-28, 17:2-3)

Jesus' silence stuns Pilate into threatening Him, to which Jesus instructs him of the source of all power. Pilate's power stems from civil authority allowed by God, but Caiaphas and the religious rulers, trained in God's Law, with greater illumination in God's justice to man, will be held to a greater accounting in their abuse of His power.

Pilate's continued vacillation gave signs of his political weakness. The mob seized upon this to include now a threat with their petition for Jesus' crucifixion. News to Tiberius of disloyalty of any provincial ruler meant certain political ruin. Satan exploited Pilate's weakness and the mob captures his will. He was putty in their hands and would at last do their bidding. His war of conscience and self-interest now over, innocence falls victim. He knew to do what was right, but, because of selfish pride, made an irrevocable eternal wrong choice.

After Pilate assumes his seat of judgment upon their threat of his rule, he brings Jesus visibly forward once again in a final attempt to secure His release. His final inquiry will determine Jesus' fate. But the sight of Him inspires additional contempt in the Rulers' already hardened hearts, and with their cup of wrath now full, they bring upon themselves the curse that will remain upon them down through the Ages -- this their final rejection! How far their obstinate hearts have fallen to reject the One lived and hoped for by their ancient father Abraham, witnessed to at birth by the two prepared witnesses. They will crucify their rightful Jewish heir to the Davidic throne while paying hypocritical homage to the pagan Roman dictator Caesar. How tragic! ( Lk.21:24, Lk.2:25-38)

Pilate has seen, heard, and had enough. The value of one innocent soul is weighed in his scales against the mob's threat of his political career, and unjustly, Pilate decides toward himself. He will not be reported to Rome today! This bloodthirsty mob will get their innocent prey, as he wishes to wash his hands of this matter. But it is not as simple as that. Like any who fail to receive Jesus as the One, there will be an eternal price to pay! Eternal salvation is secured only in personal confession of Jesus as Lord and King! But this one, according to tradition, will meet a tragic end.