The Cross II

Inside the stone hall, Pilate studies the man before him. "Are you the King of the Jews?" Jesus meets his eyes. "My kingdom is not from this world." Pilate leans closer. "So you are a king?" Jesus says, "I came to tell the truth." Pilate goes quiet. Then he whispers, "What is truth?"

Soldiers march Jesus across the city to Herod's palace. Herod grins when he sees him. At last! He wants a miracle, a show. He fires one question after another. But Jesus stands still. Not one word. Herod's smile drops. His soldiers dress Jesus in a fine robe and laugh at him. Then they send him...

Pilate brings Jesus out to the crowd. A crown of sharp thorns digs into his head. Blood runs down his face in thin red lines. A purple robe hangs over his beaten shoulders. Pilate stretches out his hand toward Jesus and shouts, "Here is the man!" The crowd roars back, "Crucify him! Crucify him!"

Jn 18:33