Can you imagine for one moment Jesus being bound as a criminal and remaining silent as He is delivered up because of the need to deliver man (us) from sin (Isaiah 53:7)? How awful that must have been to watch, even for Judas it was difficult to bear (27:3-10). Jesus was bound and led to trial for only thirty pieces of silver, about $18.00 in today’s currency, and Judas had seen those hands calm the stormy sea and touch the blind and lame — he might have remembered how often Christ’s love for him was shown through those hands. For Judas, the silver was no longer a reward, but a reminder of what he had done to Jesus, bringing him to where he declares, “I have sinned by betraying innocent blood” – (27:4).
Those worldly things we have gained at the expense of following Christ will ultimately and inevitably become reminders of sorrow and regret. Here they bound Jesus and “they led Him away” – this phrase used several times in the Scriptures to summarize the ill treatment of Jesus Christ (Matthew 26:57) (Luke 23:26) (John 18:13) (John 19:16). Again, being led around like this was in fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy (Isaiah 53:7). So He was led away to face Annas (Father-in-law to Caiaphas) then led away to Caiaphas (the High Priest) – and now they lead Jesus away to face Pontius Pilate (the Roman Governor) (27:2)
- He governed Judea from 26-36 A.D.
- He did much to anger the Jews – so he wasn’t popular – (Luke 13:1)
- Without his approval – the Jews could not execute Jesus – (John 18:28-32)
- Notice – the question that Pontius Pilate asks of Jesus in our text – (27:11)
- Jesus was asked if He was the king of the Jews – why that question?
- To answer that question we need to look at the gospel of Luke – (Luke 23:1-5)
- Jesus did not reply to the accusations of the Jews – but He did talk with Pilate about the nature of His kingdom – (John 18:33-38)