Standing before pilate

The Romans didn’t like the Jews, and the feeling was mutual. Past rebellions had increased the tension, so when crowds started to follow Jesus, the religious leaders worried that the Romans might see this as an opportunity to punish them. That’s why Caiaphas said earlier in Jesus’ ministry that it would be better for one man to die “for the people, not that the whole nation should perish” (John 11:49-50). He believed that killing an “insurrectionist” would show loyalty to the Roman government.