JESUS BEFORE PILATE

 Matthew 27: 11-26

11 Meanwhile Jesus stood before the Governor,

And the Governor ask Him,

'ARE YOU THE KING OF THE JEWS?'

YES, IT IS AS YOU SAY,' Jesus replied.

12 When He was accused

By the Chief Priests and the Elders,

He gave no answer.

13 Then Pilate asked Him,

'DON'T YOU HEAR HOW MANY THINGS

THEY ARE ACCUSING YOU OF?'

14 BUT JESUS MADE NO REPLY,

NOT EVERN TO A SINGLE CHARGE--

TO THE GREAT AMAZEMENT OF THE GOVERNOR.

15 Now it was the governor's Custom

At the Feast to release a Prisoner

Chosen by the Crowd.

16 At that time they had a notorious Prisoner,

Called Barabbas.

17 So when the Crowd had gathered,

Pilate asked them,

'WHICH ONE DO YOU WANT ME

TO RELEASE TO YOU:

BARABBAS, OR JESUS WHO IS CALLED CHRIST?'

18 FOR HE KNEW IT WAS OUT OF ENVY

THAT THEY HAD HANDED JESUS OVER TO HIM.

19 While Pilate was sitting on the Judge's Seat,

His wife sent him this Message:

'DON'T HAVE ANYTHING TO DO

WITH THAT INNOCENT MAN,

FOR I HAVE SUFFERED A GREAT DEAL TODAY

IN A DREAM BECAUSE OF HIM.'

20 But the chief Priests and the Elders

Persuaded the Crowd to ask for Barabbas

AND TO HAVE JESUS EXECUTED.

21 'WHICH OF THE TWO

DO YOU WANT ME TO RELEASE TO YOU?'

Asked the Governor.

BARABBAS,' They answered.

22 WHAT SHALL I DO, THEN,

WITH JESUS WHO IS CALLED CHRIST>'

Pilate asked.

THEY ALL ASNWERED,

CRUCIFY HIM!'

23 WHY? WHAT CRIME HAS HE COMMITTED?

Asked Pilate.

BUT THEY SHOUTED ALL THE LOUDER,

'CRUCIFY HIM!'

24 When Pilate saw that he was getting nowhere,

But that instead an Uproar was Starting,

He took water and washed his hands

In Front of the Crowd.

'I AM INNOCENT OF THIS MAN'S BLOOD,' he said.

'IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY!'

25 ALL THE PEOPLE ANSWERED,

'LET HIS BLOOD BE ON US AND ON OUR CHILDREN!'

26 Then he released Barabbas to them.

But he had Jesus Flogger

And handed over to be Crucified.

(Matthew 27: 11-26)