Pilate comes back outside again.
The first thing he does is declare that Jesus is innocent. But after what Pilate has just done to Jesus - had him scourged - this declaration of innocence has a hollow ring to it.
This is one of the most dramatic scenes in all the Gospels. Pilate declares, "Behold the man!" (the famous Latin words: "Ecce homo").
For the first time in this trial scene, Jesus comes outside. He stands there for all to see - blooded, beaten, wearing the crown of ridicule and the purple cloak of mockery.
He is there for you to see as well.
Placing yourself in the scene, and picturing all the details, sensing all the feelings, is one of the traditional forms of prayer.
Give it a try.
- Little Black Book, Diocese of Saginaw