NOTES for Mat 27:1-26
Pilate's trial became, perhaps, the most famous trial in the world. Meanwhile, for Jesus' accusers it was probably a completely routine matter. Well, the Sanhedrin condemned yet another freethinker, another "messiah" - He was not the first, He would not be the last... Well, Pilate crucified yet another disturber of the peace - he had hundreds of such rebels to his name, Barabbas alone would be enough as an example... They were simply doing their job: trying to keep under control the "hot spot" of the Roman Empire, to preserve power, position, and authority, without thinking too much about things so alien to politics as justice, truth, and faith. But for Christians this morning became the center of world history, because the one condemned was not just anyone, but the promised Righteous One, the Christ.