must be bothered with these superstitious details about their religion.  The policy he pursued here was but a piece of the whole Roman fabric.  Yet had he but had the rugged strength to live up to his honest conviction——.  But then, that is the one question of life everywhere and always.  He failed in the test, as do thousands.  Unconsciously he was touching the quivering center of a whole world’s life, and so his action stands out in boldest outline.

He comes out now and sums up the case.  He had examined the prisoner and found no fault touching their charges of perverting the people.  Herod, their own native ruler, who was supposed to know thoroughly their peculiar views, had also fully acquitted Him.  Now, as a concession to them, he will disgrace this man by a public scourging and let him go as harmless.  Instantly the air is filled with their fierce shrill cries, “Away with Him:  Away with Him.”

But Pilate seems determined to do the best he can for Jesus, without risking an actual break with these fanatical Orientals such as might endanger his own position.  It was usual at feast times to release to the people some one who had been imprisoned for a political offense.  The crowds, prompted by the chief priests, doubtless, begin to ask for the usual favor.  Pilate brings forward a man named Barabbas, who was a robber and murderer and charged with leading an insurrection against Roman rule.  Meanwhile, as he waits, a messenger comes up to him and repeats a message from his wife.  She has been suffering much in dreams and urges that he have nothing to do with “that righteous man.”

Apparently Pilate brings forward the two men, the one a robber and murderer, the other with purity and goodness stamped on every line of His face.  It is a dramatic moment.  “Which of the two will you choose?” he asks.  It is the appeal of a heathen to the better nature of these Jews, called the people of God.  Quick as a flash of lightning the word shot from their lips and into his face, “Barabbas!” “What, then, shall I do with Jesus, who is called Christ?” He is weakening now.  His question shows it.  They are keen to see it and push their advantage.  Again the words shoot out as bullets from their hot lips, “Crucify Him:  crucify Him.”  Still he withstands them.  “Why?  What evil has He done?  I find no fault in Him.  To please you I will chastise Him and release Him.”  But they have him on the run now.  At once the air is filled with a confused jangle of loud shrill voices, “Away with Him!  Give us Barabbas!  Crucify!  Crucify.”

Apparently he yields.  Barabbas is released.  Jesus is led away to be scourged by the soldiers.  His clothing is removed, and He is bent over, with thongs on the wrists drawn down, leaving the bare back uppermost and tense.  The scourging was with bunches of leather strips with jagged pieces of bone and lead fastened in the ends.  The blows meant for the back, even if laid on by a reluctant hand, would strike