Mark 15:1-20

Jesus was tried and condemned -- Mark 15:1-20: The Jews charged Jesus with blasphemy because He called Himself the Son of God. Jesus was tried before Pilate, a weak leader that would do anything to maintain peace. He even allowed a man that He knew was innocent to be crucified. Many false charges were made against Jesus. In what seemed like total disdain for Jesus Pilate asked, "Art thou the King of the Jews?" Pilate, like many today, did not understand that Jesus' kingdom is not an earthly kingdom. (John 18:36) Upon examination Pilate found no bases for the charges made against Jesus. He desired to release Him. His custom was to release one prisoner at that time of the year. He asked, "Do you want me to free the king of the Jews?" He did this because he knew that envy or jealously had caused them to bring these charges against Jesus. The Jewish leaders asked that Barabbas be released. Concerning Jesus they shouted, "Crucify Him!" They said to him concerning Jesus, “If thou let this man go, thou art not Caesar's friend." (John 19:12)