Jesus and Pilate – Matthew 27:11-26

The leaders sent Jesus to the Roman Governor.

His name was Pontius Pilate.
He was even more important than the leaders.
Pilate, the Governor asked, “Are you the King of the Jews?”
“You have said it”, said Jesus.

The leaders told Pilate what they accused Jesus of.
Jesus said nothing.
“Do you hear what they are saying about you?” asked Pilate.
Jesus did not speak.

Pilate’s wife sent him a message.
“Do not have anything to do with Jesus.
He is innocent. He has done no wrong.
I have had bad dreams about this trial.”

Pilate always set one prisoner free at this holiday time.
There was a prisoner called Barabbas in the prison.
He was a very bad man.
Pilate asked the crowd of people who were watching,
“Shall I set Jesus free or Barabbas?”
The leaders told the people to say, “Barabbas”.
The people shouted, “Barabbas”.
“What will I do with Jesus?” asked Pilate.
“Crucify him”, shouted the people.
Pilate said, “He has done nothing wrong.”
The crowd of people shouted louder, “Crucify him.”

Pilate took a basin of water.
He washed his hands.
He said, “I wash my hands of this.
I will not be blamed for this man’s death.
It is your fault.”
The people said, “We will take the blame.”

So Pilate let Barabbas go free from prison.
He handed Jesus over to be flogged, then crucified.