Pilate and Herod

Before Pilate and Herod

Pilate was ambitious, political, frightened and wishing he was somewhere else. Wishing the "Jewish Problem" to go away. Jesus stands before him, looking like a street beggar.

The Jewish assembly reports to Pilate, "We found this man subverting our nation." They were referencing the Roman-ness of the region. If they could get Him accused of threatening Rome, Pilate would surely have Him executed.

Pilate speaks. “Oh, so you're the rabble rouser who's been giving me so much trouble. Funny, you don't look that influential. You look, if I may say so, pretty weak. You don't look at all like a king. Tell me, Jesus, are you a king? Are you the king of these Jews?"

"So you say."

"What kind of an answer is that? That's no answer. Tell me, tell me plainly. Are you king of the Jews?"

"Yes, it is as you say."

"Where are you from, king?"

"Pilate, oh great Governor," it was the spokesman for the Assembly, "He is a Galilean."

"Oh, good! Then he belongs to Herod." Pilate looked relieved, even joyful. "Have him taken to Herod."

Herod was a weird, almost crazy little man, given to outbursts of sarcasm and ridicule.

"Jesus! Come on in, Jesus! I've heard so much about you! Welcome to my humble court!

“I need a few things done around here. I hear you are very resourceful and can do things nobody else can do: healing cripples, raising people from the dead. Maybe you could take care of them for me."

"Now, I understand you're God. At least that's what you've said."

"Hey! I'm talking to you! What's up? Has the cat got your tongue? Speak to me!"

"Uh, why don't you just show me? Here! Here's some water. Turn it into wine for me."

"See the fountain out there? If you'll answer me, I'll let you walk away...right on the water!"

"Here's your chance, Jesus! You can prove right now that you are who you say you are."

"Bread. Here's some bread. It's almost time for supper. Feed my family with this bread."

"Well, if you're a king, you'll need a crown. Perhaps a name tag or something. I don't think people are going to accept you as their king as long as you look like that."

"Somebody get a robe! We've got to make this guy look like a king!"

"King of the Jews! Indeed!"

"Hey, aren't you scared of me?"

"You're a joke! You're not a king. You're a fraud."

"Get him out of here! Take him back to Pilate. I'm done with him."

(To be continued)