Pilate then called together the chief priests and the rulers and the people, and said to them, “You brought me this man as one who was misleading the people. And after examining him before you, behold, I did not find this man guilty of any of your charges against him. Neither did Herod, for he sent him back to us. Look, nothing deserving death has been done by him. I will therefore punish and release him.” (Luke 23:13-16 ESV)
Pilate was totally convinced Jesus was not guilty of the charges of insurrection laid against Him by the Jewish leaders. Yet, he knew how bent they were against Jesus. What to do. It seems crazy, but you beat the innocent guy. Don't kill Him; just impress upon Him you are in control. Pilate was trying to appease the people by beating Jesus. The Sanhedrin themselves repeated this practice in the early church when they hoped beating the apostles would intimidate them from preaching the Gospel. Neither time did the practice work, yet we still to this day try to take the easy way out - to go just far enough to please others and get Jesus off our hands. It still doesn't work. He was and is in control; He does not go away. Deal with Him now, or deal with Him later: it's up to you.
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