1
At dawn's first light, the high priests, with the religious leaders and scholars, arranged a conference with the entire Jewish Council. After tying Jesus securely, they took him out and presented him to Pilate.
2
Pilate asked him, "Are you the 'King of the Jews'?"
3
The high priests let loose a barrage of accusations.
4
Pilate asked again, "Aren't you going to answer anything? That's quite a list of accusations."
5
Still, he said nothing. Pilate was impressed, really impressed.
6
It was a custom at the Feast to release a prisoner, anyone the people asked for.
Published by permission. Originally published by NavPress in English as THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language copyright 2002 by Eugene Peterson. All rights reserved.