Show Don't Tell: John 18:28-40

Instead of saying "Pilate questioned Jesus about his kingdom," hear the irony of purity. They lead Jesus from Caiaphas to the palace of the Roman governor. By now it is early morning. To avoid ceremonial uncleanness they do not enter the palace, because they want to be able to eat the Passover. They'll murder the innocent but won't risk ritual defilement. Pilate comes out to them: "What charges are you bringing against this man?" "If he were not a criminal, we would not have handed him over to you." Pilate tells them to judge him by their own law. "But we have no right to execute anyone." Pilate goes back inside: "Are you the king of the Jews?" "Is that your own idea, or did others talk to you about me?" "Am I a Jew? Your own people and chief priests handed you over to me. What is it you have done?" "My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jewish leaders. But now my kingdom is from another place." "You are a king, then!" "You say that I am a king. In fact, the reason I was born and came into the world is to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me." "What is truth?" Pilate goes back out: "I find no basis for a charge against him. But it is your custom for me to release to you one prisoner at the time of the Passover. Do you want me to release 'the king of the Jews'?" They shout back: "No, not him! Give us Barabbas!" Now Barabbas is a rebel.