Luke 23:14
Pilate Acknowledges the Innocence of the Lord
Pilate now tries through diplomatic means, through consultation and persuasion, to satisfy the instigators of this unfortunate event to him. He is trying to please everyone. For this consultation he summons the leaders of this uproar. He repeats their accusation. They brought “this man” to him on the accusation that He incites the people to rebellion. He points out that he has fulfilled his obligations by examining Him, even in their presence. It will be clear to them that he, Pilate, cannot be accused of bias or procrastination. But honest is fair, he must conclude that their accusation has no basis. Thus, after Lk 23:4, he gives a second testimony of the innocence of the Lord. He immediately adds a third testimony of His innocence. He does this to reinforce his conclusion, hoping that the Jews will see the reasonableness of his arguments. Herod also found no guilt in Him, for he sent Him back without mentioning anything worthy of death. Although Pilate should speak out ‘innocent’ and let go of Christ, he surely would like to satisfy them to some extent as well. He proposes to punish Him and then let Him go. It shows what a heartless man this Pilate is. He wants to befriend the emperor and not execute someone who is innocent. He also wants to keep the Jews as friends. They want to see blood. He wants to fulfill their wish by punishing Him. It seems to him that their thirst for blood will be appeased by then.
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