The Bible Story Part 256

And they all condemned him to be worthy of death.

And some began to spit on him, and to cover his eyes, and {270} to buffet him, and to say unto him, "Prophesy who is it that smote thee,"

and the officers received him with blows of their hands.

_How Peter Denied His Lord_.

But Peter had followed afar off. And when they had kindled a fire in the midst of the court, and had sat down together, Peter sat in the midst of them. And a certain maid seeing him as he sat in the light of the fire, and looking steadfastly upon him, said, "This man also was with him."

But he denied, saying, "Woman, I know him not."

And after a little while another saw him, and said, "Thou also art one of them."

But Peter said, "Man, I am not."

And after the s.p.a.ce of about one hour another confidently affirmed, saying, "Of a truth this man also was with him: for he is a Galilaean."

But Peter said, "Man, I know not what thou sayest." And immediately, while he yet spoke, the c.o.c.k crew.

And the Lord turned, and looked upon Peter. And Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how that he said unto him, "Before the c.o.c.k crow this day, thou shalt deny me thrice."

And he went out, and wept bitterly.

_The Trial Before the Jewish Court_.

As soon as it was day, the a.s.sembly of the elders of the people was gathered together, both chief priests and {271} scribes; and they led him away into their council, saying, "If thou art the Christ, tell us."

But he said unto them, "If I tell you, ye will not believe: and if I ask you, ye will not answer. But from henceforth shall the Son of man be seated at the right hand of the power of G.o.d."

And they all said, "Art thou then the Son of G.o.d?"

And he said unto them, "Ye say that I am."

And they said. "What further need have we of witness? for we ourselves have heard from his own mouth."

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VIII

THE JUDGMENT

_How the Lord Jesus Was Unjustly Condemned to Die_.

_The Hearing Before Pilate_.

They led Jesus therefore into the palace: and it was early; and they themselves entered not into the palace, that they might not be defiled, but might eat the pa.s.sover. Pilate therefore went out unto them, and saith, "What accusation bring ye against this man?"

They answered and said unto him, "If this man were not an evil-doer, we should not have delivered him up unto thee."

Pilate therefore said unto them, "Take him yourselves, and judge him according to your law."

The Jews said unto him, "It is not lawful for us to put any man to death."

Pilate therefore entered again into the palace, and called Jesus, and said unto him, "Art thou the King of the Jews?"

Jesus answered, "Sayest thou this of thyself, or did others tell it thee concerning me?"

Pilate answered, "Am I a Jew? Thine own nation and the chief priests delivered thee unto me: what hast thou done?"

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[Ill.u.s.tration]

CHRIST BEFORE PILATE.

By Munkacsy [End ill.u.s.tration]

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Jesus answered, "My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence."

Pilate therefore said unto him, "Art thou a king then?"

Jesus answered, "Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end have I been born, and to this end am I come into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice."

Pilate saith unto him, "What is truth?"

And when he had said this, he went out again unto the Jews, and saith unto them, "I find no fault in this man."

But they were the more urgent, saying, "He stirreth up the people, teaching throughout all Judaea, and beginning from Galilee even unto this place."

But when Pilate heard it, he asked whether the man were a Galilaean.

And when he knew that he was of Herod's jurisdiction, he sent him unto Herod, who himself also was at Jerusalem in these days.

_The Trial Before Herod_.

Now when Herod saw Jesus, he was exceeding glad: for he had been for a long time desirous of seeing him, because he had heard concerning him; and he hoped to see some miracle done by him. And he questioned him in many words; but he answered him nothing. And the chief priests and the scribes stood, vehemently accusing him. And Herod with his soldiers treated him as one of no account, and mocked him, and arraying him in gorgeous apparel sent him back to Pilate. And Herod and Pilate became {276} friends with each other that very day: for before they were at enmity between themselves.

_The Sentence of Death_.

Now at the feast it was Pilate's custom to release unto them one prisoner, whom they asked of him. And there was one called Barabbas, lying bound with them that had made insurrection, men who in the insurrection had committed murder. And the mult.i.tude went up and began to ask him to do as he was wont to do unto them. And Pilate answered them, saying, "Will ye that I release unto you the King of the Jews?"

For he perceived that for envy the chief priests had delivered him up.

And while he was sitting on the judgment seat, his wife sent unto him, saying, "Have thou nothing to do with that righteous man: for I have been much disturbed to-day in a dream because of him." But the chief priests stirred up the mult.i.tude, that he should rather release Barabbas unto them. And Pilate again answered and said unto them, "What then shall I do unto him whom ye call the King of the Jews?"