28 Then the Jewish leaders took Jesus from Caiaphas to the palace of the Roman governor. By now it was early morning, and to avoid ceremonial uncleanness they did not enter the palace, because they wanted to be able to eat the Passover. They followed the letter of the law, yet they had no clue they were condemning the one sent to save them.  29 So Pilate came out to them and asked, "What charges are you bringing against this man?"

30 "If he were not a criminal," they replied, "we would not have handed him over to you."

31 Pilate said, "Take him yourselves and judge him by your own law."

"But we have no right to execute anyone," they objected. 32 This took place to fulfill what Jesus had said about the kind of death he was going to die.

33 Pilate then went back inside the palace, summoned Jesus and asked him, "Are you the king of the Jews?"

34 "Is that your own idea," Jesus asked, "or did others talk to you about me?"

35 "Am I a Jew?" Pilate replied. "Your own people and chief priests handed you over to me. What is it you have done?"

36 Jesus said, "My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jewish leaders. But now my kingdom is from another place."  

37 "You are a king, then!" said Pilate.  You can't blame Pilot for being confused.  Probably thought Jesus was nuts.  Probably thought the jews were nuts.  He was just trying to get through his day.  We need to be careful that we don't miss God's work in our daily routine.

Jesus answered, "You say that I am a king. In fact, the reason I was born and came into the world is to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me."

38 "What is truth?" retorted Pilate. 

What is truth?  Many in our culture, even many who call themselves Christians think that truth is relative, depending on the viewpoint of the person determining it.  God's Truth is the same now as it always was and always will be.  Jesus personifies truth.  He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.  It's not what you do it's who you let into your heart. With this he went out again to the Jews gathered there and said, "I find no basis for a charge against him. 39 But it is your custom for me to release to you one prisoner at the time of the Passover. Do you want me to release 'the king of the Jews'?"  40 They shouted back, "No, not him! Give us Barabbas!" Now Barabbas had taken part in an uprising.