What happensPermalink
Pilate’s soldiers beat Jesus and apply the crown of thorns. The Jews switch from a religious charge to a political one: he has made himself a king! Jesus is crucified, dies, and is buried.
Why it mattersPermalink
Pilate doesn’t care about Jewish theology, so the Jews have to accuse Jesus of a political crime; they choose treason. Thus “king of the Jews.” John mentions several prophecies fulfilled.
Key versePermalink
Pilate also wrote an inscription and put it on the cross. It read, “Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews.”