John 19:12-13 says, “From then on Pilate sought to release him, but the Jews cried out, saying, ‘If you let this Man go, you are not Caesar’s friend. Whoever makes himself a king speaks against Caesar.’ When Pilate therefore heard that saying, he brought Jesus out and sat down in the judgment seat in a place that is called The Pavement, but in Hebrew, Gabbatha.'” After Jesus told Pilate he’d sin to send him to death (v. 11), Pilate wanted “to release him.” But the Jews had him trapped saying he was no friend of Caesar releasing a self-proclaimed king. Now Pilate had to act and brought him to “the judgment seat,” totally ironic since God said he “committed all judgment to the Son” (5:22). Misjudging Jesus always backfires. It did for Pilate and will for us. Let’s embrace him for all that he is and receive all his blessings today.