A Story of God and All of Us - By Roma Downey Page 0,119

of thorny branches. It is gruesome to behold, with long spikes sticking out at all angles. He now presses it down hard on Jesus'

skull, drawing blood as those sharp tips bite into bone. "King of the Jews!"

the soldier exults, bowing deep in front of Jesus, then dancing a little jig.

One of the soldiers who beat Jesus has just wiped the blood from his hands.

He drapes the crimson towel over Jesus' shoulders as if it were an ermine robe. All the jailers find this quite hilarious.

Pilate orders that the palace gates be opened. The crowds pour in, not sure what is about to happen. They know Pilate is allowed to release one man 297

of their choice before Passover, in one of the many events held during Passover. They wonder who will be set free. Surely, Jesus is no longer a consideration. He has paid his penalty and has probably already been released. That's how the law works. So they wait patiently for their options.

Pilate has skillfully deflected Caiaphas's demand that he crucify Jesus, and given the final verdict to this mass of pilgrims.

Caiaphas remains undeterred, however, and is ensuring that the pilgrims allowed into the courtyard will vote against Jesus. The mainstream Jewish people are not given a choice in the matter. Malchus, his servant, and the Temple guards now stand at the gates, denying entry to anyone who supports the man from Nazareth. Scuffles break out as many in the crowd vent their frustration for being denied entry. They howl in protest--howls that are completely ignored by the Roman soldiers guarding the palace.

Mary, John, and Mary Magdalene are among those kept away. They watch in disbelief as a mob of pro-Caiaphas sympathizers stand ready to determine Jesus' fate.

Pontius Pilate appears in an upstairs window and the crowd silences to hear what he has to say. "Today," Pilate begins, "Passover begins. Caesar makes you a gesture of goodwill through the release of a prisoner chosen by you."

A bald-headed murderer is marched into the courtyard, followed by Jesus, still wearing his crown of thorns.

"I give you a choice," Pilate tells them. "You may choose between Barabbas, a murderer. Or you may choose this other man--a teacher who claims to be your king."

Laughter and jeers spew forth from the crowd. Caiaphas, who now stands at Pilate's side, yells, "We have no king but Caesar."

Temple guards now move through the crowd, whispering instructions and receiving nods of agreement. "Crucify him!" is spontaneously shouted by members of the crowd who have remained silent until now.

Mary, mother of Jesus, is horrified. Her hands go to her face, and she covers her mouth in dismay.

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Pilate sees the look on Caiaphas's face and knows that he has an answer.

"Decide!" Pilate shouts to the crowd.

"Barabbas," they roar back. "Free Barabbas."

Outside the gates, Mary, John, and Mary Magdalene all shout in Jesus'

defense, as do many around them. But their voices cannot be heard over the

roar "Barabbas! Barabbas! Barabbas!" from the courtyard.

Pilate is mystified. He looks at Caiaphas and then back at the crowd. "You choose a murderer," he tells them with a shake of his head, then holds up a hand to silence the mob.

"Do it," he says to his guards. The bewildered soldiers reluctantly unlock Barabbas's shackles. The crowd cheers; the insurrectionist's eyes are wild with delight.

"And this wretch," Pilate yells to the crowd. "What shall I do with him?"

"Crucify him! Crucify him!"

"Save him," comes the chant from outside the gate. "Save him."

"Crucify! Crucify! Crucify!" yells the courtyard.

Pilate silences the crowd. "How can you condemn this man and spare a murderer?"

"Crucify! Crucify! Crucify!"

"Very well," he tells them. "Crucify him."

Pilate reaches for a nearby bowl of water and washes his hands. This is a deliberate gesture, mirroring a custom of the Hebrews and Greeks to show that he is not responsible. "I am innocent of this man's blood," he says, hoping to shift blame.

Pilate knows Jesus is innocent and that he can prevent his death. He has the power, and should simply disperse the mob. But instead of standing up for truth, he is taking the easier route of political expediency. It is a dangerous time in Jerusalem, the home to more than a million Jews and less than a thousand Roman soldiers. Pilate cannot risk the sort of tumult, as it would make its way back to Rome and Caesar.

Pilate dries his hands. This crucifixion is no longer his affair.

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It has been just six days since Jesus was welcomed into Jerusalem. Now he is to be crucified on a