Jesus is Tried Before Pilate

In order for Jesus to die by crucifixion it was inevitable that His path to the cross would include a trial by the Roman governor, Pontius Pilate. In the political setting of the day only Pilate could authorize a death sentence in Judea. The Jewish leaders had already determined that Jesus must die, and they formalized this decision during Jesus’ religious trials. Now the civil trials would begin. Although Pilate would find no basis for putting Jesus to death he would, nonetheless, send Jesus to the cross. In the midst of this great injustice was the justifying work of God. Through Jesus death we can be justified, declared right with God. Because the world did not acknowledge Jesus for who He is, it sent Him to the cross. The way of the world stands in dark relief to the brilliance of Jesus and His sacrificial death.