Trial Of The Century

The Trial of the The Trial of the CenturyCentury

A Lenten Day of ReflectionsA Lenten Day of Reflections

Morning PrayerMorning PrayerThe Liturgy of the HoursThe Liturgy of the Hours

Part OnePart One

GOD vs. CAESARGOD vs. CAESAR

Roman Rule in Roman Rule in Judea Judea

(6-66 AD)(6-66 AD)

Roman Prefecture in Roman Prefecture in JudeaJudea

Two Periods of the Roman Prefecture in Judea:Two Periods of the Roman Prefecture in Judea: 1.1. “Pre-Agrippa” period “Pre-Agrippa” period 6 to 41 AD 6 to 41 AD Jewish kingship restored 41-44 AD (Herod Agrippa)Jewish kingship restored 41-44 AD (Herod Agrippa) 2. 2. “Post-Agrippa” period“Post-Agrippa” period 44 to 66 AD 44 to 66 AD

Prefecture ended with the Prefecture ended with the Jewish RevoltJewish Revolt, , which led to occupation by Roman army (led which led to occupation by Roman army (led by by VespasianVespasian, declared emperor in 69 AD) , declared emperor in 69 AD) and and the ultimate destruction of the Second Templethe ultimate destruction of the Second Temple


Pre-Agrippa period was a time of Pre-Agrippa period was a time of peace …relatively speakingpeace …relatively speaking

Roman Prefecture in Judea was not Roman Prefecture in Judea was not simply a hostile occupationsimply a hostile occupation After an era of Jewish client kings (Herod After an era of Jewish client kings (Herod

the Great, Herod Archelaus) marked by the Great, Herod Archelaus) marked by oppression and persecution, Roman rule oppression and persecution, Roman rule appeared to be more sane and orderlyappeared to be more sane and orderly

Jewish leaders had petitioned Caesar to Jewish leaders had petitioned Caesar to end the reign of Herod Archelausend the reign of Herod Archelaus


During Jesus’ adult years (7 to 30/33 During Jesus’ adult years (7 to 30/33 AD):AD): No evidence of armed revoltNo evidence of armed revolt No Roman executions of notorious No Roman executions of notorious

brigands, would-be kings, prophets, or brigands, would-be kings, prophets, or revolutionariesrevolutionaries

The Prefecture of The Prefecture of Pontius Pilate in Pontius Pilate in

JudeaJudea(26-36 AD)(26-36 AD)

Pontius PilatePontius PilateSome Biographical FactsSome Biographical Facts

Of Equestrian rank (similar to a knight, Of Equestrian rank (similar to a knight, lower Roman nobility), as opposed to the lower Roman nobility), as opposed to the higher Senatorial rankhigher Senatorial rank Suggests he probably had a military career Suggests he probably had a military career

before his appointment as Prefect / Governor of before his appointment as Prefect / Governor of JudeaJudea

Name:Name: NomenNomen ( (gensgens or tribe): Pontius, of Samnite or tribe): Pontius, of Samnite

originorigin CognomenCognomen (family): Pilatus (origin from (family): Pilatus (origin from pileuspileus, ,

“cap, helmet,” or “cap, helmet,” or pilumpilum, “spear”, “spear” PraenomenPraenomen (personal name): (personal name): unknownunknown


Fifth of 14 Roman Prefects in JudeaFifth of 14 Roman Prefects in Judea Pilate’s ten year rule, and his Pilate’s ten year rule, and his

predecessor’s (Valerius Gratus) 11 year predecessor’s (Valerius Gratus) 11 year rule, stand out in longevity among the the rule, stand out in longevity among the the other Prefectsother Prefects

May have been appointed by Roman May have been appointed by Roman noble Lucius Aelius Sejanusnoble Lucius Aelius Sejanus In 26-27 AD Caesar Tiberius left Rome, In 26-27 AD Caesar Tiberius left Rome,

eventually settling on the Isle of Caprieventually settling on the Isle of Capri Sejanus was left by Tiberius in Rome to Sejanus was left by Tiberius in Rome to

deal with administration of the empiredeal with administration of the empire


In 31 AD, treasonous ambitions of In 31 AD, treasonous ambitions of Sejanus were uncovered…and he soon Sejanus were uncovered…and he soon perishedperished Tiberius Caesar dismissed many of Sejanus’ Tiberius Caesar dismissed many of Sejanus’

appointeesappointees Pilate however remained five more yearsPilate however remained five more years

Brown: Pilate’s longevity “caution(s) Brown: Pilate’s longevity “caution(s) against prejudging him as irresponsible against prejudging him as irresponsible or extremely controversial” or extremely controversial”

Pontius PilatePontius PilateEstimations of PilateEstimations of Pilate

Mark’s portrait of Pilate is unflatteringMark’s portrait of Pilate is unflattering Pilate, knowing Jesus was handed over Pilate, knowing Jesus was handed over

because of jealous envy, does little to help because of jealous envy, does little to help JesusJesus

Matthew, Luke and John portray a much Matthew, Luke and John portray a much nobler Pilate, who tries to deliver Jesus nobler Pilate, who tries to deliver Jesus from exaggerated / false chargesfrom exaggerated / false charges

Tertullian (155 - after 220 AD): Tertullian (155 - after 220 AD): Pilate a Pilate a ChristianChristian at heart at heart


Apocryphal Apocryphal Acts of PilateActs of Pilate: He was : He was sympathetic to a portion of the Jewish sympathetic to a portion of the Jewish multitude that weeps for Jesusmultitude that weeps for Jesus

Ethiopian homilies in the 5Ethiopian homilies in the 5thth and 6 and 6thth centuries speak of Pilate’s centuries speak of Pilate’s conversionconversion

66thth and 7 and 7thth century: Pilate became a century: Pilate became a baptismal name among the Coptsbaptismal name among the Copts Pilate is currently a Pilate is currently a saint in the Coptic in the Coptic

churchchurch Pilate’s wife, Procla, is a saint in the Pilate’s wife, Procla, is a saint in the

Orthodox Church (feast day Oct. 27)Orthodox Church (feast day Oct. 27)


Non-Christian sources, however, tend Non-Christian sources, however, tend to give an unfavorable picture of Pilateto give an unfavorable picture of Pilate Jewish writers Philo of Alexandria (20 BC Jewish writers Philo of Alexandria (20 BC

to to 50 AD) and Josephus (37 AD to 93 AD)50 AD) and Josephus (37 AD to 93 AD)

Roman historian Tacitus (56 to 115 AD)Roman historian Tacitus (56 to 115 AD) However, these writers’ reports may However, these writers’ reports may

have been exaggerated or inaccuratehave been exaggerated or inaccurate For example: Tacitus often wrote For example: Tacitus often wrote

unfavorably of unfavorably of anyany appointee of appointee of Equestrian RankEquestrian Rank


Brown: Historical records suggest…Brown: Historical records suggest… Pilate was an unsubtle man, without Pilate was an unsubtle man, without

native diplomatic skills, sometimes out native diplomatic skills, sometimes out of touch with Jewish sensitivitiesof touch with Jewish sensitivities

Was not however a stubborn tyrant to Was not however a stubborn tyrant to the point of savagerythe point of savagery

Sometimes underestimated the brutality Sometimes underestimated the brutality of his own soldiers, so that the violence of his own soldiers, so that the violence of repressive actions during his of repressive actions during his prefecture may not have reflected his prefecture may not have reflected his own wishesown wishes

Site of Jesus’ Trial: Site of Jesus’ Trial: The The PraetoriumPraetorium

Site of Jesus’ TrialSite of Jesus’ Trial

Mark, Matthew, Luke:Mark, Matthew, Luke: Jesus stands before Pilate Jesus stands before Pilate in public, outdoorsin public, outdoors

John:John: Jesus questioned by Pilate Jesus questioned by Pilate in private, in private, inside the inside the

PraetoriumPraetorium, with Jewish leaders and crowd outside, with Jewish leaders and crowd outside Pilate shuttles back and forth between Jesus inside Pilate shuttles back and forth between Jesus inside

and crowd outsideand crowd outside Finally (19:13), Jesus led outside, and Pilate sat on Finally (19:13), Jesus led outside, and Pilate sat on

the judgment seat (the judgment seat (bemabema) in the place called ) in the place called LithostrotosLithostrotos (Stone Pavement), in Hebrew (Stone Pavement), in Hebrew GabbathaGabbatha

Site of Jesus’ TrialSite of Jesus’ Trial PraetoriumPraetorium: Governor’s residence: Governor’s residence

Pilate’s main Pilate’s main praetoriumpraetorium was in Caesarea was in Caesarea Pilate’s residences in Jerusalem:Pilate’s residences in Jerusalem:

Fortress AntoniaFortress Antonia On eastern hill of Jerusalem, on high rock formation On eastern hill of Jerusalem, on high rock formation

dominating the NW corner of the Temple areadominating the NW corner of the Temple area ““Palace of the King”Palace of the King”

On the western hill of the city, also part of the On the western hill of the city, also part of the Northern DefensesNorthern Defenses

Most likely the temporary Jerusalem Most likely the temporary Jerusalem praetoriumpraetorium of of Pilate during the PassoverPilate during the Passover

Roman Trial of Roman Trial of JesusJesus

Roman Trial of JesusRoman Trial of JesusSourcesSources

We should note that the Gospel We should note that the Gospel accounts are dramatizing the accounts are dramatizing the religious religious meaning of Jesus’ condemnationmeaning of Jesus’ condemnation

Practically Practically no legal detailsno legal details of the trial of the trial are given in the Gospel accounts. No are given in the Gospel accounts. No court record has survived, no court record has survived, no witnesses noted.witnesses noted.

With involvement of soldiers, servants, With involvement of soldiers, servants, opponents, some information of opponents, some information of contents of trial would have circulatedcontents of trial would have circulated

Roman Trial of JesusRoman Trial of JesusIn Relation to Sanhedrin TrialIn Relation to Sanhedrin Trial

Relation of Roman Trial to Sanhedrin Trial:Relation of Roman Trial to Sanhedrin Trial: 1. A1. A confirmation confirmation of the Jewish Trial of the Jewish Trial

(an (an exsequaturexsequatur = let it be carried out)? = let it be carried out)? 2. An 2. An independent trialindependent trial to determine if an offense to determine if an offense

against Roman law happened?against Roman law happened? Majority scholarly opinion: Majority scholarly opinion: independentindependent

trialtrial However, Jesus However, Jesus notnot a Roman citizen, so Pilate a Roman citizen, so Pilate

was free to conduct a trial was free to conduct a trial extra ordinemextra ordinem (without specifications of the Roman law)(without specifications of the Roman law)

Roman Trial of JesusRoman Trial of JesusCharge Against JesusCharge Against Jesus

The Charge: Jesus as “King of the Jews”The Charge: Jesus as “King of the Jews” Offense against Offense against Lex Iulia de maiestate Lex Iulia de maiestate

(offenses against the majesty of Caesar), (offenses against the majesty of Caesar), which bore the death penaltywhich bore the death penalty

Cicero (106 BC to 43 BC): “diminishing Cicero (106 BC to 43 BC): “diminishing maiestasmaiestas” consists of taking away something ” consists of taking away something from the dignity or the fullness or the power of from the dignity or the fullness or the power of the people or from those to whom the people the people or from those to whom the people have given powerhave given power

Commentary by Marcion on Commentary by Marcion on Lex Iulia de Lex Iulia de maiestatemaiestate includes as offenders any private includes as offenders any private person who acts as if he had an office or person who acts as if he had an office or magistracymagistracy

Roman Trial of JesusRoman Trial of JesusRelease of BarrabasRelease of Barrabas

Subject of much scholarly controversy: Subject of much scholarly controversy: custom not described in other sourcescustom not described in other sources

Gospels agree there was a Gospels agree there was a festalfestal custom custom attached to Passover to release a attached to Passover to release a prisoner whom the Jewish crowds choseprisoner whom the Jewish crowds chose

Disagreement:Disagreement: Was it a Was it a personalpersonal custom of Pilate? custom of Pilate? Was it a Was it a JewishJewish custom recognized by custom recognized by

Pilate?Pilate?

Roman Trial of JesusRoman Trial of JesusOutcry to “Crucify” JesusOutcry to “Crucify” Jesus

Jewish crowds cry out “Crucify him,” as if Jewish crowds cry out “Crucify him,” as if they have a say in the Roman judge’s they have a say in the Roman judge’s decisiondecision

Eastern custom of decision by Eastern custom of decision by acclamatio acclamatio populipopuli (“acclamation of the people”) (“acclamation of the people”) Some cases in Hellenized cities, (e.g. the Ten Some cases in Hellenized cities, (e.g. the Ten

Cities constituting the Decapolis, east of Cities constituting the Decapolis, east of Galilee, in the Province of Syria) decided by Galilee, in the Province of Syria) decided by acclamatio populiacclamatio populi

NotNot a Jewish custom a Jewish custom Brown: Best considered mob pressure, not Brown: Best considered mob pressure, not

voice of a functioning “jury”voice of a functioning “jury”

Questions for Questions for ReflectionReflection

1.1. How do we picture ourselves in the How do we picture ourselves in the Passion Story…as Pilate?...as part of the Passion Story…as Pilate?...as part of the mob?...as a friend of Jesus?...as Jesus?mob?...as a friend of Jesus?...as Jesus?

2.2. The Orthodox Church declared Pontius The Orthodox Church declared Pontius Pilate a Pilate a saint.saint. What sort of statement do What sort of statement do you think that is making? you think that is making?

3.3. How has your ministry changed over time How has your ministry changed over time as you learn new things?as you learn new things?

4.4. How do we let our co-workers change How do we let our co-workers change and improve upon their ministry over and improve upon their ministry over time?time?

Part TwoPart Two

THE TRIAL IN JOHN’S THE TRIAL IN JOHN’S GOSPELGOSPEL

JohnJohn

We find in John a much different picture We find in John a much different picture of Jesus facing Pilateof Jesus facing Pilate

Unlike the Synoptic Gospels (Mark, Unlike the Synoptic Gospels (Mark, Matthew and Luke), Jesus is not Matthew and Luke), Jesus is not questioned questioned by Pilate outside and in public with the by Pilate outside and in public with the chief priests looking onchief priests looking on

Rather, Jesus is questioned privately by Rather, Jesus is questioned privately by Pilate inside the Pilate inside the PraetoriumPraetorium, while all the , while all the chief priests are standing with the crowdchief priests are standing with the crowd

JohnJohn

Pilate shuttles back and forth between Pilate shuttles back and forth between the priests and crowd outside, and Jesus the priests and crowd outside, and Jesus insideinside Outside: ceaseless pressure, conniving, Outside: ceaseless pressure, conniving,

outcryoutcry Inside: calm, penetrating dialogInside: calm, penetrating dialog

Unlike the Synoptics, Jesus is not silent…Unlike the Synoptics, Jesus is not silent…but eloquent, and supremely self-but eloquent, and supremely self-assuredassured

JohnJohn

Pilate questions: Pilate questions: “So you are a king?”“So you are a king?” Jesus does not refuse the title, but says Jesus does not refuse the title, but says the real reason he came into the world the real reason he came into the world was to testify to the truth (18:37)was to testify to the truth (18:37)

So eloquent and self-assured is Jesus,So eloquent and self-assured is Jesus,it is as if it is as if PilatePilate is on trial, to determine if is on trial, to determine if he is of the truthhe is of the truth Pilate is calmly told he has no independent Pilate is calmly told he has no independent

power over Jesus (19:10-11)power over Jesus (19:10-11)

JohnJohn

Pilate knows the truth: Pilate knows the truth: Jesus is innocent.Jesus is innocent. The question becomes: will Pilate bear The question becomes: will Pilate bear

witness to the truth, or betray himself in witness to the truth, or betray himself in order to appease the crowd?order to appease the crowd?

In the end, Pilate bows to the crowd, In the end, Pilate bows to the crowd, exacting from them a pledge of allegiance exacting from them a pledge of allegiance to Caesar – one which is clearly insincere.to Caesar – one which is clearly insincere.

JohnJohn

Unique to John:Unique to John: scourging and scourging and mockery of Jesus not mockery of Jesus not afterafter the trial, the trial, but at its but at its centercenter

Leads to climactic moment where Leads to climactic moment where Jesus, scourged, mocked, draped in a Jesus, scourged, mocked, draped in a purple cloak, and wearing a crown of purple cloak, and wearing a crown of thorns, is brought from the thorns, is brought from the PraetoriumPraetorium outside to the crowd outside to the crowd

JohnJohn The crowd cries, “Crucify him!” as in the The crowd cries, “Crucify him!” as in the

other Gospels, but here it is in response other Gospels, but here it is in response to the sight of a scourged Jesus, and to the sight of a scourged Jesus, and Pilate’s Pilate’s Ecce, homo…Ecce, homo… “Here is the “Here is the man!”man!” The rejection of Jesus here seems even The rejection of Jesus here seems even

more inhumanemore inhumane Combined with their expressed preference Combined with their expressed preference

for Caesar, the rejection implies for Caesar, the rejection implies abandonment by the Jews of their own abandonment by the Jews of their own messianic hopesmessianic hopes

““The Man” may reflect an ancient The Man” may reflect an ancient Christological title for Jesus, akin to Christological title for Jesus, akin to “Son of “Son of Man”Man”

JohnJohn

John’s hostility towards “the Jews” John’s hostility towards “the Jews” perhaps arises from the experience of perhaps arises from the experience of his Christian community and the his Christian community and the synagoguesynagogue Members of John’s community have been Members of John’s community have been

driven out of the synagogue and driven out of the synagogue and persecuted for professing Jesus the Messiah persecuted for professing Jesus the Messiah (9:22, 12:42)(9:22, 12:42)

Being driven from the synagogue exposed Being driven from the synagogue exposed Christians to Roman investigation, Christians to Roman investigation, punishment, sometimes deathpunishment, sometimes death

JohnJohn

Pilate exacts from the priests:Pilate exacts from the priests: A denial of their hopes for the MessiahA denial of their hopes for the Messiah A pledge of allegiance to pitiful Tiberius A pledge of allegiance to pitiful Tiberius

Caesar (who, by that time, had given up Caesar (who, by that time, had given up the day-to-day running of the empire, the day-to-day running of the empire, and lived in seclusion on the isle of and lived in seclusion on the isle of Capri)Capri)

He then turns Jesus over to the chief He then turns Jesus over to the chief priests to be crucifiedpriests to be crucified


1.1. When we teach about the Passion of When we teach about the Passion of Christ, how do we ourselves think of the Christ, how do we ourselves think of the Jewish people – then, and today? Jewish people – then, and today?

2.2. How does Pilate’s role in the Trial parallel How does Pilate’s role in the Trial parallel with our courts today, especially with with our courts today, especially with dealing out Capital Punishment?dealing out Capital Punishment?

3.3. Have we let popular forces or “fads” Have we let popular forces or “fads” change the way we see Jesus? If so, how?change the way we see Jesus? If so, how?

4.4. Can you think of a time where “the Can you think of a time where “the crowd” affected or influenced your crowd” affected or influenced your ministry?ministry?

Updates and Updates and AnnouncementsAnnouncements

Part ThreePart Three

THE TRIAL IN THE THE TRIAL IN THE SYNOPTICSSYNOPTICS

MarkMark

Mark 15:1: refers to a morning Mark 15:1: refers to a morning consultation of the Sanhedrinconsultation of the Sanhedrin Not clear if it is a second sessionNot clear if it is a second session Or continuation of the night sessionOr continuation of the night session

Mark does not explain to reader why the Mark does not explain to reader why the Sanhedrin must deliver Jesus to PilateSanhedrin must deliver Jesus to Pilate

Pilate already seems aware of what has Pilate already seems aware of what has gone on, and immediately confronts Jesus:gone on, and immediately confronts Jesus:“Are you the King of the Jews?”“Are you the King of the Jews?”

MarkMark

The charges at the Sanhedrin Trial do The charges at the Sanhedrin Trial do not come upnot come up

Jesus’ affirmation ambiguous:Jesus’ affirmation ambiguous:“You have said so”“You have said so” (15:4) (15:4)

Pilate wonders at JesusPilate wonders at Jesus As nations wondered at the Suffering As nations wondered at the Suffering

Servant of the Lord (Isaiah 52:15, LXX)Servant of the Lord (Isaiah 52:15, LXX)

MarkMark

The chief priests, unable to get Pilate to The chief priests, unable to get Pilate to condemn Jesus, succeed in getting a crowd to condemn Jesus, succeed in getting a crowd to demand for the release of a prisoner as part of demand for the release of a prisoner as part of the feastthe feast

Chief priests persuade the crowd to demand:Chief priests persuade the crowd to demand: Release of Barabbas, an imprisoned murderous rebelRelease of Barabbas, an imprisoned murderous rebel Crucifixion of JesusCrucifixion of Jesus

Pilate, knowing priests are acting out of envious Pilate, knowing priests are acting out of envious zeal, offers Jesus to the crowdzeal, offers Jesus to the crowd

Pilate’s last quoted words: Pilate’s last quoted words: “Why? What evil “Why? What evil has he done?”has he done?” underline Jesus’ outrageous underline Jesus’ outrageous treatmenttreatment

MarkMark

Mark’s portrait of Pilate less Mark’s portrait of Pilate less developed developed and sympathetic than in the othersand sympathetic than in the others Pilate makes no special effort on Jesus’ Pilate makes no special effort on Jesus’

behalfbehalf He yields rather easily to crowd’s He yields rather easily to crowd’s

demands to avoid unpopularitydemands to avoid unpopularity The impression given is not the favorable The impression given is not the favorable

Roman and the hostile Jew, but Roman and the hostile Jew, but no no support support on any sideon any side for Jesus for Jesus

MarkMark

Jesus’ lack of any support reinforced by Jesus’ lack of any support reinforced by the gratuitous brutality of the Roman the gratuitous brutality of the Roman soldiers:soldiers: They interrupt flogging the criminal to strike They interrupt flogging the criminal to strike

and spit on him, mocking the “King of the and spit on him, mocking the “King of the Jews”Jews”

Both Sanhedrin Trial and Roman Trial Both Sanhedrin Trial and Roman Trial end in mockery of Jesusend in mockery of Jesus Sanhedrin Trial: Mocking of a Sanhedrin Trial: Mocking of a prophetprophet Roman Trial: Mocking of a Roman Trial: Mocking of a kingking

MarkMark

A disciple, a Jewish leader, and a A disciple, a Jewish leader, and a Roman leader all participate and Roman leader all participate and share in the guilt:share in the guilt: JudasJudas hands Jesus over to the chief hands Jesus over to the chief

priestspriests Chief priestsChief priests hand Jesus over to Pilate hand Jesus over to Pilate PilatePilate hands Jesus over to be crucified hands Jesus over to be crucified

MatthewMatthew

Confronting Pilate who can decree Confronting Pilate who can decree his death, Jesus remains silenthis death, Jesus remains silent

His silence puts Pilate on the His silence puts Pilate on the defensivedefensive

Matthew, as do all four gospels, Matthew, as do all four gospels, describes the custom of releasing a describes the custom of releasing a prisoner at the feast, a possible “out” prisoner at the feast, a possible “out” for Pilatefor Pilate

MatthewMatthew

Unique to Matthew:Unique to Matthew: Dream of Pilate’s Dream of Pilate’s wife wife

A contrast between:A contrast between: Gentile woman, in a dream-revelation Gentile woman, in a dream-revelation

recognizes Jesus’ innocence and works for recognizes Jesus’ innocence and works for

his releasehis release Jewish leaders “work the crowd” to have a Jewish leaders “work the crowd” to have a

notorious criminal released and the notorious criminal released and the innocent Jesus crucifiedinnocent Jesus crucified

MatthewMatthew

Some manuscripts phrase Pilate’s Some manuscripts phrase Pilate’s question in 26:17 as question in 26:17 as “Whom do you “Whom do you want me to release to you – Jesus want me to release to you – Jesus Barabbas or Jesus called Christ?”Barabbas or Jesus called Christ?” Barabbas: probably means “Son of the Barabbas: probably means “Son of the

Father” (Father” (Bar Bar + + abbasabbas)) Pilate thus faced with irony of choosing Pilate thus faced with irony of choosing

between “Jesus, Son of the Father,” and between “Jesus, Son of the Father,” and “Jesus, Son of God”“Jesus, Son of God”

MatthewMatthew Unique to Matthew:Unique to Matthew: Pilate publicly washes Pilate publicly washes

his hands to signify his hands to signify “I am innocent of “I am innocent of this [just] man’s blood.”this [just] man’s blood.” Again, a Again, a GentileGentile recognizes Jesus’ innocence recognizes Jesus’ innocence

““All the people”All the people” answer answer “His blood be “His blood be on us, and on our children”on us, and on our children” Echoes Old Testament language of those who Echoes Old Testament language of those who

must be considered responsible for a death must be considered responsible for a death (2 Samuel 3:28-29; Josh. 2:19; Jer. 26:15)(2 Samuel 3:28-29; Josh. 2:19; Jer. 26:15)

Washing of hands: an Old Testament action Washing of hands: an Old Testament action signifying innocence of a murder (Deut 21:6-9)signifying innocence of a murder (Deut 21:6-9)

MatthewMatthew

““His blood be on us, and on our His blood be on us, and on our children”children” Remember Jesus’ own words: his blood is Remember Jesus’ own words: his blood is

“poured out for many [all] for the “poured out for many [all] for the forgiveness of sins.”forgiveness of sins.” (26:27) (26:27)

Line has embittered Christian – Jewish Line has embittered Christian – Jewish relationship through the centuriesrelationship through the centuries

Matthew tends to be generalizing and Matthew tends to be generalizing and hostile to Jewshostile to Jews Pharisees and Sadducees a “brood of Pharisees and Sadducees a “brood of

vipers”vipers”

MatthewMatthew

Pilate finally passes on Jesus the Pilate finally passes on Jesus the same sentence the Sanhedrin passed same sentence the Sanhedrin passed on himon him

Pilate orders Jesus to be flogged, Pilate orders Jesus to be flogged, then crucifiedthen crucified

At the end of the Roman Trial, Jesus At the end of the Roman Trial, Jesus is mocked and spat upon – as he had is mocked and spat upon – as he had been been at the end of the Sanhedrin trialat the end of the Sanhedrin trial

LukeLuke

Luke’s description of the Roman Trial much Luke’s description of the Roman Trial much more elaborate than Mark or Matthewmore elaborate than Mark or Matthew

The charge “King of the Jews” and the offer The charge “King of the Jews” and the offer of releasing a prisoner are also presentof releasing a prisoner are also present

Luke also describes:Luke also describes: Details of violations of both Roman law and the Details of violations of both Roman law and the

“majesty of Caesar”“majesty of Caesar” Indifference of Romans to the religious issues Indifference of Romans to the religious issues

involvedinvolved A desire to let the prisoner go after a floggingA desire to let the prisoner go after a flogging

LukeLuke

Unique to Luke: Unique to Luke: On learning Jesus is On learning Jesus is from Galilee, Pilate sends Jesus to from Galilee, Pilate sends Jesus to the “client king” of the Galilee area, the “client king” of the Galilee area, Herod AntipasHerod Antipas (ruled 4 BC to 39 AD), who happens (ruled 4 BC to 39 AD), who happens to be in Jerusalem for the Passover to be in Jerusalem for the Passover feastfeast

LukeLuke

Herodian Adversaries:Herodian Adversaries: Herod the GreatHerod the Great – conspired to kill baby – conspired to kill baby

Jesus (Matt. 2)Jesus (Matt. 2) Herod AntipasHerod Antipas – killed John the Baptist – killed John the Baptist

(Mark 6:17-29; Matt 14:3-12), and reputedly (Mark 6:17-29; Matt 14:3-12), and reputedly tried to kill Jesustried to kill Jesus

Herod Agrippa IHerod Agrippa I – killed James, son of – killed James, son of Zebedee, sought to kill Peter (Acts 12:1-5)Zebedee, sought to kill Peter (Acts 12:1-5)

Herod Agrippa IIHerod Agrippa II – sat in judgment on Paul – sat in judgment on Paul alongside Roman Governor (Acts 25:13-27)alongside Roman Governor (Acts 25:13-27)

LukeLuke

Herod annoyed by Jesus’ silence, and Herod annoyed by Jesus’ silence, and mocks himmocks him In the end he confirms Pilate’s judgment that In the end he confirms Pilate’s judgment that

Jesus is innocentJesus is innocent Herod’s contact with Jesus heals the enmity Herod’s contact with Jesus heals the enmity

between himself and Governor Pilatebetween himself and Governor Pilate Jesus again the healer, even for those who Jesus again the healer, even for those who

maltreat himmaltreat him Unique to Luke: Unique to Luke: Jesus had healed the ear of the Jesus had healed the ear of the

High Priest slave after “a follower” cut it offHigh Priest slave after “a follower” cut it off


1.1. Which of the four gospels “speak” to Which of the four gospels “speak” to you? you?

2.2. Has your “traditional” view of the Passion Has your “traditional” view of the Passion story changed with these, or other, facts story changed with these, or other, facts learned over time? Do we want our learned over time? Do we want our experience to change at all? If so, how? experience to change at all? If so, how?

3.3. What are your favorite things to teach What are your favorite things to teach and to do during Lent and/or the and to do during Lent and/or the Triduum?Triduum?

4.4. Where in our ministry do we most Where in our ministry do we most identify with the Paschal Mystery?identify with the Paschal Mystery?

Trial Of The Century

Spiritual

unflattering pilate

pilate shuttles

copts pilate

nobler pilate

roman prefecture

prefecture ofpontius

ad prefecture

roman trial of jesus