Print this Lesson Pontius Pilate
Luke 23:1-5 and Matthew 27:15-26
I am the governor of Judea. The important people of the Jews, called the Council, had come together. They didn't like Jesus. They brought him to me saying hurtful things about Him. I asked Him if He were the King of the Jews. Jesus said, "It is as you say." I told the people, "I don't find anything wrong with Jesus."

The people didn't like my answer so I sent him to Herod the King. He asked Jesus questions. Jesus didn't say anything. The people kept saying bad things about Him. Herod dressed Jesus in a beautiful robe and sent him back to me.

I sent for the important people again. I told them they had said bad things about Jesus, but that I didn't find anything wrong with Him and neither did Herod. "He doesn't deserve to die."

With loud voices, they kept saying that he should be put on a cross and killed.

PONTIUS PILATE'S WIFE:
I am Pilate's wife. I sent a messenger to my husband to tell him to have nothing to do with that good man.

PONTIUS PILATE:
I kept telling the people that Jesus didn't deserve to die and that I would punish him and let him go. The bad people were really upset so I took water and washed my hands and said that it is not my fault, but they could take Jesus. I had Jesus beaten badly and then turned Him over to the bad people to be crucified.

PONTIUS PILATE'S WIFE:
If you would like to read more about us, turn in your Bibles to Luke 23 and Matthew 27. Now we would like to ask you some questions about our story.