Station 5, Day 3

Station 5, Day 3

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 crowd prevails, and Pilate condemns Jesus to death by crucifixion. The betrayal is complete, although Jesus’ physical suffering has barely begun. Jesus has been tried and convicted by several human courts – the Sanhedrin, Pilate, and the crowds. He becomes a victim to what we, today, call groupthink, where a false idea is planted by a minority who repeat the idea until more people come to accept it as truth. Its truth, however, is accepted through repetition, instead of being established by fact.

            Jesus’ fate is decided. He will be killed in the most excruciating way known to man at the time, by being nailed to a cross and left to die.

Spiritual Discipline

Find a quiet place and enter a time of silence for 10 minutes. Attempt to let go of the trials of the moment – your to do list, your stressors at work or home, the pressing needs of family. Deliberately turn off your inner dialogue by acknowledging thoughts as they come to you, then letting them go. Breathe deeply and internalize whatever degree of silence you can attain. There is no pressure to receive insights or inspiration. Experiencing silence is sufficient.

Prayer

            Innocent Lord, you were deserted by your followers of long ago. Give me the strength and insight not to desert you today. Amen.

This is the 20^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.

---

[1] Luke 23:13-25