Indictments: The Second, of Treason

Meanwhile Jesus stood before the governor, who questioned Him: “Are You the King of the Jews?” “You have said so,” Jesus replied.

Above His head they posted the written charge against Him: THIS IS JESUS, THE KING OF THE JEWS.

So Pilate questioned Him, “Are You the King of the Jews?” “You have said so,” Jesus replied.

And the charge inscribed against Him read: THE KING OF THE JEWS.

And they began to accuse Him, saying, “We found this man subverting our nation, forbidding payment of taxes to Caesar, and proclaiming Himself to be Christ, a King.”

So Pilate asked Him, “Are You the King of the Jews?” “You have said so,” Jesus replied.

Above Him was posted an inscription: THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.

“If He were not a criminal,” they replied, “we would not have handed Him over to you.”

Pilate went back into the Praetorium, summoned Jesus, and asked Him, “Are You the King of the Jews?”

From then on, Pilate tried to release Him, but the Jews kept shouting, “If you release this man, you are no friend of Caesar. Anyone who declares himself a king is defying Caesar.”

Pilate also had a notice posted on the cross. It read: JESUS OF NAZARETH, THE KING OF THE JEWS. …