1. Pilate and Herod examine Jesus (1-12)

The Jewish Council had decided to kill Jesus, but they wanted to use the authority of Rome to do it. Jesus testified before the Roman Governor Pilate that he was the king of the Jews. Pilate could tell that Jesus was innocent, but to avoid making a decision he sent him to Herod. Herod mocked Jesus, dressing him in a robe and sending him back. All sinful human actions only revealed Jesus' spiritual kingship.

2. Jesus is condemned (13-25)

Pilate wanted to set Jesus free, but he was more concerned with protecting himself politically. Pilate wanted to use the festival custom to set Jesus free and crucify a criminal instead. But the crowd had been stirred up into an angry mob shouting "Crucify him! Crucify him!" Finally Pilate gave in to their will. He failed to be a man of truth, but Jesus died to take the place of sinners like Barabbas.