4. Pilate said to the leading priests and the people, “I find nothing wrong with this man.”
5. They said again and again, “But Jesus is making trouble with the people! He teaches all around Judea. He began in Galilee, and now he is here!”
6. Pilate heard this and asked if Jesus was from Galilee.
7. If so, Jesus was under Herod’s authority. Herod was in Jerusalem at that time; so Pilate sent Jesus to him.
8. When Herod saw Jesus, he was very glad. He had heard about Jesus and had wanted to meet him for a long time. Herod was hoping to see Jesus work a miracle.
9. Herod asked Jesus many questions, but Jesus said nothing.
10. The leading priests and teachers of the law were standing there. They were shouting things against Jesus.
11. Then Herod and his soldiers made fun of Jesus. They dressed him in a kingly robe and then sent him back to Pilate.
12. In the past, Pilate and Herod had always been enemies. But on that day they became friends.
13. Pilate called all the people together with the leading priests and the Jewish leaders.
14. He said to them, “You brought this man to me. You said that he was making trouble among the people. But I have questioned him before you all, and I have not found him guilty of the things you say.
15. Also, Herod found nothing wrong with him; he sent him back to us. Look, he has done nothing for which he should die.
16. So, after I punish him, I will let him go free.”