Matthew 27

 

The religious people need the civil authorities to execute Jesus. Their rules would make the unclean if they do it. Also, they are not the government. And, they could point the blame elsewhere is there was backlash.

 

Judas has a change of heart.    Jesus is innocent. Too late. Judas hangs himself.

 

Pilate is the local civil authority for the Romans. Pilate thinks this is an internal Jewish matter. Jesus makes not attempt to defend himself. This is scriptural for him. Even Pilate's wife has a bad feeling about proceeding to help the religious authorities. The people, pumped up by the religious authorities, want Jesus crucified, the punishment for treason against the Roman government. Pilate goes along but knows it is wrong. Ironically, it is a Gentile (centurion) who first sees Jesus for who he really is. Even more ironic is the fact that the disciples are missing. Women are those who see Jesus through his last moments.