John 19 - Introduction

CHAPTER XIX.

CHRIST CRUCIFIED.

By. comparison of the four accounts of this momentous trial it is easy to trace its successive stages. 1. We have an account of the informal examination before Annas, recorded only by John (18:13-24), which terminates with the statement that Annas sent him bound to Caiaphas. 2. Next is the preliminary examination conducted by Caiaphas aided by. section of the Sanhedrim, of which accounts are given in Matthew 26:57-68 and Mark 14:55-65. 3. Luke gives an account of the formal meeting of the great Sanhedrim after the dawn of day (22:66-71). 4. Next comes the formal accusation before Pilate, recorded in all the Gospels. 5. The first conference between Christ and Pilate is recorded in John 18:33-38. 6. Pilate's first acquittal; further charges; Christ's silence (Matthew 27:12-14; Mark 15:3-5; Luke 23:4-5). 7. Case sent to Herod (Luke 23:6-12). 8. Before Pilate again; second formal acquittal (Luke 23:13-16). 9. Jesus or Barabbas (Matthew 27:15-18; Mark 15:6-10). 10. Message of warning from Pilate's wife (while people are deciding) (Matthew 27:19). 11. Barabbas chosen. Cries of "Crucify him!" (Matthew 27:20-22; Mark 15:11-13.) 12. Efforts of Pilate to save Jesus (Matthew 27:23; Mark 15:12-14). 13. Pilate washes his hands; declaration of Christ's innocence (Matthew 27:24-25). 14. Sentence of crucifixion (Mark 15:15; Luke 23:24-25). 15. Scourging and mockery (Matthew 27:26-30; Mark 15:16-19; John 19:1-3). 16. Further efforts of Pilate to save Jesus (John 19:4-16). 17. Led away to be crucified (Matthew 27:31; Mark 15:20).

The great tragedy moves rapidly on. The chief priests, members of the Sanhedrim, and Jewish leaders, had prepared their plans well; so well that Pilate, with all his well-meant endeavors, found himself unable to frustrate them.. great crowd of their creatures surrounded his palace and met every expostulation against the injustice of murdering Jesus with hoarse remonstrances, loud cries and ferocious threats. Accustomed to the inflammatory temper of the Jewish population he feared an uprising at. time when the Passover had brought two or three millions of people to the city and when it would be easy to overwhelm the little Roman garrison of 600 men. He feared still more the accusations against him that they proposed to despatch to Cæsar, for he had already learned by their victory over him in. former collision that they were not without influence at Rome. Hence, rather than sacrifice himself, he begins to yield to demands to which he is bitterly opposed and knows to be cruel and unjust. His attempt to relieve himself of responsibility by sending the prisoners to Herod had failed.