The Plan

John 19 NIV7 The Jewish leaders insisted, “We have a law, and according to that law he must die, because he claimed to be the Son of God.” 8 When Pilate heard this, he was even more afraid,  9 and he went back inside the palace. “Where do you come from?” he asked Jesus, but Jesus gave him no answer.  10 “Do you refuse to speak to me?” Pilate said. “Don’t you realize I have power either to free you or to crucify you?” 11 Jesus answered, “You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above. Therefore the one who handed me over to you is guilty of a greater sin.” 12 From then on, Pilate tried to set Jesus free, but the Jewish leaders kept shouting, “If you let this man go, you are no friend of Caesar. Anyone who claims to be a king opposes Caesar.” 13 When Pilate heard this, he brought Jesus out and sat down on the judge’s seat at a place known as the Stone Pavement (which in Aramaic is Gabbatha).  14 It was the day of Preparation of the Passover; it was about noon.  “Here is your king,” Pilate said to the Jews.”

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The plan of the Jewish priests and leaders had always been clear – they wanted Jesus dead.  Pilate’s wife has had a dream and warned him about judging a “righteous man.”  His own superstitions have forced him to consider the possibility that Jesus may in fact be a “little g” god.”  He can find no sin in Jesus but Pilate is trapped by circumstances.  He’s tried to set Jesus free but now his choice has come down to who he fears most; Rome, the Jewish leaders, the anger of the local people, or Jesus himself.  Pilate’s decision based on threats, sin and fear was used by God to set in motion His plan of promise, forgiveness and hope:  “It was the day of Preparation of the Passover; it was about noon.  “Here is your king,” Pilate said to the Jews.”