Very early in the morning, Jesus has been handed over, bound, to Pilate. As the Roman Prefect of Judaea, Pilate was the only person in the nation with the authority to impose the death penalty, so what Jesus says to him is important. Again, we get to listen in. “Are you the king of the Jews?” asked Pilate. “You have said so,” Jesus replied. The chief priests accused him of many things. 4 So again Pilate asked him, “Aren’t you going to answer? See how many things they are accusing you of.” But Jesus still made no reply, and Pilate was amazed. – Mark 15:2–5