Station 5, Day 2

Station 5, Day 2

Jesus is judged by Pilate

Pilate then called together the chief priests, the leaders, and the people, and said to them, “You brought me this man as one who was perverting the people; and here I have examined him in your presence and have not found this man guilty of any of your charges against him. Neither has Herod, for he sent him back to us. Indeed, he has done nothing to deserve death. I will therefore have him flogged and release him.” Then they all shouted out together, “Away with this fellow! Release Barabbas for us!” (This was a man who had been put in prison for an insurrection that had taken place in the city, and for murder.) Pilate, wanting to release Jesus, addressed them again; but they kept shouting, “Crucify, crucify him!” A third time he said to them, “Why, what evil has he done? I have found in him no ground for the sentence of death; I will therefore have him flogged and then release him.” But they kept urgently demanding with loud shouts that he should be crucified; and their voices prevailed. So Pilate gave his verdict that their demand should be granted. He released the man they asked for, the one who had been put in prison for insurrection and murder, and he handed Jesus over as they wished.[1]

Meditation

            The next scene at the fifth Station of the Cross is the crowd’s reaction to Pilate as he pronounces Jesus not guilty. Pilate had a tradition of releasing a prisoner of the people’s choice in honor of Passover. He believed this act helped to placate the people. The crowd not only shouts for the crucifixion of Jesus, but calls for the release of Barabbas, a convicted murderer and insurrectionist.

            The humiliation of Jesus continues, for the crowd calling for his crucifixion likely contained many of the same people he taught and healed. His closest companions, the very people he dedicated his ministry to, are now calling for his death on a cross. Pilate, no friend to the Jews, again tries to release Jesus.

Spiritual Discipline

            Meditate for 10 minutes on the betrayal of Jesus by the people. Picture yourself in the crowd. Hear the shouting and feel the emotion. Watch and listen as Pilate tries to convince the crowd of Jesus’ innocence. What is Jesus doing? What are you doing?

Prayer

            Lord Jesus, I confess I do not always know how best to love you, to follow you, and to show my devotion to you. Sometimes I find myself caught up in a crowd or some other distraction, and I find myself unintentionally denying you. In retrospect, I realize I, too, have betrayed you. Forgive me, Lord, and help me to keep my eyes fixed upon you. Amen.

This is the 19^thin a daily series titled The Stations of the Cross that will run through Easter 2026, at which time I will return to my weekly Life Notes.Life Notes are my explorations into mysteries that interest me. They are invitations for readers to explore more deeply into life’s mysteries. Engage with me or explore contemplative spiritual direction at ghildenbrand@outlook.com.

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[1] Luke 23:13-25