1. Pilate and the Jews (28-32)

Because the high priest had no power to execute prisoners, the Jewish leaders took him to Governor Pilate. Pilate knew Jesus had not violated Roman law, so he wanted the Jews to judge him themselves. But they wanted him executed, so they wanted Pilate to judge him. They were so concerned with ceremonial cleanness, but they were willing to execute the Son of God.

1. "My kingdom is not of this world" (33-40)

Pilate must have felt trapped. He knew Jesus wasn't deserving of death. But for the Jewish leaders' insistence, he would have let Jesus go. But he was afraid of the people, so he looked for a charge to level against Jesus. He asked Jesus if he was king of the Jews. Jesus taught Pilate that his kingdom is based on truth. Pilate didn't know what truth was, so he succumbed to the side of lies and deceit. He listened to the crowd instead of to Jesus.