This week, we see the Gentile (Roman) trial which also has three phases. Jesus will go before Pilate, Herod, and then Pilate again. Pilate over and over again says that Jesus is an innocent man, a man not guilty of anything deserving death. Herod even proclaims Jesus’ innocence. In spite of their witness that Jesus is innocent, Pilate chooses to please the crowd and religious leaders over ruling on the TRUTH of the matter. Why, because in God’s unfolding plan, Jesus had to go to the CROSS! If not, we would have all been doomed to eternal punishment!! God is the ultimate influence of the death of Jesus…not Judas…not Annas, Caiaphas, Pilate, Herod…Yahweh!