And Pilate said, "Why, what evil hath He done?"
But the Jews told Pilate that Jesus had made Himself equal with God, and so He must die.
Then Pilate was more afraid than ever, and went again into the hall, and asked Jesus where He had come from?
But Jesus gave him no answer.
At length the Jews clamoured so loudly, and told Pilate that he was not Cæsar's friend, that though Pilate longed to release Jesus, when he heard them say that, he gave in to them, and brought Jesus forth for the last time, saying to them, "Behold your King!"
And they all cried out, "Away with Him, crucify Him!"
"The head that once was crowned with thorns
Is crowned with glory now:
A royal diadem adorns
The mighty Victor's brow.
"The highest place that heaven affords
Is His, is His by right:
The King of kings, and Lord of lords,
And heaven's eternal light."
[XXI. Jesus Carrying His Cross]
And after they had mocked Jesus, they took off the gorgeous robe in which Herod and his soldiers had dressed Him, and they put His own clothes on Him again, and led Him away to crucify Him.
And Jesus—the King of glory—went forth, carrying the cross on which He was to be crucified for us!