These Are My JOTtings, Part #2

Jesus' Trial and Punishment

From priest to priest, they made Him go,
and then to Pilate's hall.
They judged The One, Who could no sin know,
and then the crowd they'd call.

When Pilate had Him scourged and mocked
of platted thorns and robe,
their words were awful, just to shock.
"I find no fault," he probed.

Then Jesus stood before the people's rage.
Pilate said, "Behold the man!"
The Lord of Glory on the stage,
so cursed by the devil's plan.

The cries of "Crucify him!" loud,
bequeathed by insane hearts
were spoke by those so mindless, proud,
before some hope could start.

Their accusation, "Son of God"
made Pilate more afraid.
In the hall was Jesus judged, not awed,
where Pilate's words were not obeyed.

"You will not speak? I've power to free."
"You have no power at all,
except from Above it's given to thee.
The greater sin's my captor's call."

They blackmailed Pilate, condemned the Lord.
Yet, someone, he could free.
"Release the thief, to the cross with the Word,
and Caesar, he's for me!"

Jesus was then led away
to hang upon the tree.
The One, Who suffered for a day,
exchanged, that I'd be free.

Then Pilate had the final word
with many lofty Jews.
"The King of the Jews" was read and heard,
but they liked not paying these dues.

"Just put, 'He claimed to be the king,'
for the king, he's really not."
"What I've written, that I now will sing,
for I've writ, and I change not."

by Jay O’Toole
on April 6th, 2023