Collection: Scriptural Stations of the Cross 05 - Pilot Condemns Jesus to Death

Jesus was arraigned before the procurator, who questioned him: “Are you the king of the Jews?” Jesus responded, “As you say.” Then Pilate said to him, “Surely you hear how many charges they bring against you? While he was still presiding on the bench, his wife sent him a message: “Do not interfere in the case of that holy man. I had a dream about him today which has greatly upset me.” Meanwhile, the chief priests and elders convinced the crowds that they should ask for Barabbas, a notorious prisoner, and have Jesus put to death. So when the procurator asked them, “Which one do you wish me to release for you?” they said, “Barabbas.” Pilate said to them, “Then what am I to do with Jesus, the so-called Messiah?” “Crucify him!” they all cried. He said, “Why, what crime has he committed?” But they only shouted the louder, “Crucify him!” Pilate finally realized that he was making no impression and that a riot was breaking out instead. He called for water and washed his hands in front of the crowd, declaring as he did so, “I am innocent of the blood of this just man. The responsibility is yours.” At that, he released Barabbas to them. Jesus, however, he first had scourged; then he handed him over to be crucified.
(Matthew 27: 11, 13, 19-24, 26)