welcome this last morning was to our blessed Lord; for the completion of man's redemption was near. Ponder now, how, being in full council, they re-examine their prisoner, condemn Him as a blasphemer, vote Him guilty of death, and finally deliver Him over to the secular power, to be executed.
II. "And the whole multitude of them rose up and led Him away to Pilate." (Luke xxiii. i.) Think what a distressing journey this was to our divine Saviour. By this time the whole city was full of what had passed the preceding night, and was waiting in great anxiety for the result of the high council. They now behold the captive hurried along through the streets, accompanied by their high-priests and elders, as so many unquestionable witnesses and proclaimers of His guilt. He is considered by all as a convicted criminal, and a notorious malefactor, and is insulted and scoffed at by a barbarous and enraged multitude. Even those, who a short time ago held Him in the highest veneration, and considered Him a great prophet and their Messias, now believe themselves to have been deceived by this sovereign impostor. Who ever did, or ever could, suffer as much as He did in His reputation?
III. When He had arrived at Pilate's court, His enemies " went not into the hall " (it being the habitation of a Gentile), "that they might not be defiled, but that they might eat the pasch." (John xviii. 28.) Superstitious hypocrites! They affect religion and conscience in a small matter, and are actually meditating sacrilege and murder. Would to God that you were as accurate and zealous in regard to perfect purity, when you approach the sacred table, to eat the Christian pasch, and that you did not come with a heart distracted and dissipated with worldly thoughts and undue affections!
