Pilate saw through their purpose. He did not believe that the prisoner had plotted against the government. His meek and humble appearance was altogether out of harmony with the charge. Pilate was convinced that a deep plot had been laid to destroy an innocent man who stood in the way of the Jewish dignitaries. Turning to Jesus he asked, "Art Thou the King of the Jews?" The Saviour answered, "Thou sayest it." And as He spoke, His countenance lighted up as if a sunbeam were shining upon it.

Pilatus gennemskuede deres hensigter. Han troede ikke på, at fangen havde smedet rænker mod regeringen. Hans sagtmodige og beskedne optræden stemte slet ikke overens med denne anklage. Pilatus var overbevist om, at der var blevet lagt snedige planer om at tilintetgøre en uskyldig mand, der stod de jødiske stormænd i vejen. Han vendte sig til Jesus og spurgte ham: "Er du jødernes konge" Frelseren svarede: "Du siger det selv." Og medens han talte, lyste hans ansigt, som om en solstråle skinnede på det.