What did Pilate keep trying to convince the crowd about Jesus?
Pilate repeatedly tried to convince the crowd that he found no fault in Jesus, insisting he could find nothing wrong in Him. Even after the crowd demanded Barabbas, Pilate kept pressing this point, but the Jews would not listen, and he eventually washed his hands, declaring himself innocent of the blood of this just person.
Les explains that in Matthew 27 the nation of Israel is on trial, more than Jesus, and the crowd rejects Jesus and asks for Barabbas. Even so, Pilate still keeps trying to convince the crowd that he can find nothing wrong in this Jesus. When Pilate saw that he could prevail nothing and that a tumult was made, he took water and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, “I am innocent of the blood of this just person.” Les then asks whether Pilate really was innocent and answers, “No he isn’t.” This fits the larger context that Christ was God the Son, never laying aside His deity but His glory, and He stood before the Roman governor—though that governor will one day stand before Him as Judge unless saved.