Jesus

So they all asked, “Are You then the Son of God?” He replied, “You say that I am.”

“Why do we need any more testimony?” they declared. “We have heard it for ourselves from His own lips.”

Then the whole council rose and led Jesus away to Pilate.

And they began to accuse Him, saying, “We found this man subverting our nation, forbidding payment of taxes to Caesar, and proclaiming Himself to be Christ, a King.”

So Pilate asked Him, “Are You the King of the Jews?” “You have said so,” Jesus replied.

Then Pilate said to the chief priests and the crowds, “I find no basis for a charge against this man.”

When Pilate heard this, he asked if the man was a Galilean.

And learning that Jesus was under Herod’s jurisdiction, he sent Him to Herod, who himself was in Jerusalem at that time.

When Herod saw Jesus, he was greatly pleased. He had wanted to see Him for a long time, because he had heard about Him and was hoping to see Him perform a miracle.

Herod questioned Jesus at great length, but He gave no answer.

Meanwhile, the chief priests and scribes stood there, vehemently accusing Him.

And even Herod and his soldiers ridiculed and mocked Him. Dressing Him in a fine robe, they sent Him back to Pilate.

and said to them, “You brought me this man as one who was inciting the people to rebellion. I have examined Him here in your presence and found Him not guilty of your charges against Him.

Neither has Herod, for he sent Him back to us. As you can see, He has done nothing deserving of death.

Therefore I will punish Him and release Him.”

But they all cried out in unison: “Away with this man! Release Barabbas to us!”

Wanting to release Jesus, Pilate addressed them again,

but they kept shouting, “Crucify Him! Crucify Him!”

A third time he said to them, “What evil has this man done? I have found in Him no offense worthy of death. So after I punish Him, I will release Him.”

But they were insistent, demanding with loud voices for Jesus to be crucified. And their clamor prevailed.

As they had requested, he released the one imprisoned for insurrection and murder, and handed Jesus over to their will.

As the soldiers led Him away, they seized Simon of Cyrene on his way in from the country, and put the cross on him to carry behind Jesus.

A great number of people followed Him, including women who kept mourning and wailing for Him.

But Jesus turned to them and said, “Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for Me, but weep for yourselves and for your children.

Two others, who were criminals, were also led away to be executed with Jesus.