Pilate was trying to find a way out of dealing with Jesus. He knew Jesus was innocent, but couldn't appease the crowd. What if Jesus was who he said he was? How could he convict an innocent man? How could he keep his constituents happy? Who was this Jesus and where was he from? Pilate would lose his integrity unless he released Jesus. He couldn't release Jesus without infuriating the crowd. Jesus would not answer him. Jesus refused to be a pawn in Pilate's political game. Jesus followed the will of his Father, and no one would deter his commitment to righteousness. Facing a choice about Jesus' identity, Pilate the ruler showed fear, gave up his integrity, and became a prisoner to the fickle will of the mob. In the face of death, Jesus showed courage, displayed integrity, and demonstrated the freedom to be who he was truly committed to being no matter the will of the crowd. The stark differences in their choices and character remind us of the importance of the choices we make about Jesus and the will of God.