5: Jesus condemned by Pilate
Once again Jesus stands before judgement, but this time the crowd are full of gossip and outrage, at risk of being stirred to violence, and a bell tolls as Pilate decides what to do with Jesus.
“The assembly rose as one and brought Jesus before Pilate, accusing him, saying, 'We found this man perverting our nation, forbidding us to pay tax to the emperor, and saying that he is the Messiah, a king.' Pilate asked, 'Are you the king of the Jews?' He answered, 'You say so.' Pilate said, 'I find no basis for an accusation against this man.' But they insisted 'He stirs up the people by teaching throughout all Judea, from Galilee...to this place.'”
Luke 23:1-5
Words have been planted to condemn Jesus and Pilate knows the case is fabricated; but he fears a riot, so he gives the crowd Barabbas and condemns Jesus to death by crucifixion.
Commentary by Revd Catherine Shelley