4
Once more Pilate came out and said to the Jews, "See, I am bringing him out to you to let you clearly understand that I find no crime in him."
5
So Jesus came out, wearing the wreath of thorns and the crimson cloak. And Pilate said to them, "See, there is the man."
6
As soon then as the High Priests and the officers saw Him, they shouted "To the cross! To the cross!" "Take him yourselves and crucify him," said Pilate; "for I, at any rate, find no crime in him."
7
"We," replied the Jews, "have a Law, and in accordance with that Law he ought to die, for having claimed to be the Son of God."
8
More alarmed than ever, Pilate no sooner heard these words than he re-entered the Praetorium and began to question Jesus.
9
"What is your origin?" he asked. But Jesus gave him no answer.
10
"Do you refuse to speak even to me?" asked Pilate; "do you not know that I have it in my power either to release you or to crucify you?"
11
"You would have had no power whatever over me," replied Jesus, "had it not been granted you from above. On that account he who has delivered me up to you is more guilty than you are."
12
Upon receiving this answer, Pilate was for releasing Him. But the Jews kept shouting, "If you release this man, you are no friend of Caesar's. Every one who sets himself up as king declares himself a rebel against Caesar."
13
On hearing this, Pilate brought Jesus out, and sat down on the judge's seat in a place called the Pavement--or in Hebrew, Gabbatha.
14
It was the day of Preparation for the Passover, about six o'clock in the morning. Then he said to the Jews, "There is your king!"