On the cross in the middle is Jesus, the holy and innocent. On both sides of Him are two wrongdoers. The Bible is clear about this: both of them were guilty people. They were not rebels against Roman tyranny or anything else that made their punishment seem unjust.

He is crucified with two criminals. Soldiers make His clothes the object of games and bets; and they distribute them among themselves. The rulers tease, saying, “Is this not the Christ? Save yourself! The soldiers also mock Jesus. Even the sign hanging on the cross is intended to belittle the one on the cross.

Jesus is led to the cross, to death. The Jewish leaders have fulfilled their goal. But as I read this passage I am amazed to see how Jesus affects the lives of those who share, in some way, his journey to the cross.

From Pilate to Herod, and back to Pilate. Neither of them wants to take responsibility for making the decision, but the pressure from the Jewish leaders does not let up. They want Jesus to die.

Throughout this scene, the wickedness, hypocrisy and falsehood of Herod, Pilate and the Pharisees provide the backdrop so that we can better contemplate what is really important: Jesus. He is not in their hands, as they believe. He is, and always was, in control. Although the situation seems chaotic and confusing, he is perfectly calm.