The Trial and Execution of Yeshua Ha-Nozri

Pontius Pilate, the procurator of Judea, interrogates and condemns the wandering philosopher Yeshua Ha-Nozri, leading to his crucifixion on Bald Mountain.

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Pilate's Hemicrania

The Procurator's Suffering A Painful Dawn Pontius Pilate, the procurator of Judea, awakens with a terrible headache, the hemicrania that torments him. The smell of rose oil fills the palace, making him nauseous. He sits on the balcony of Herod's palace, waiting for the accused to be brought before him. The Accused Arrives A man of about twenty-seven, dressed in a torn blue chiton, is brought before Pilate. His hands are bound, and his face shows signs of beating. The man introduces himself as Yeshua Ha-Nozri, a wandering philosopher from Gamala. The Initial Interrogation Pilate questions Yeshua about inciting the people to destroy the temple. Yeshua denies the charge, explaining that his teachings were about truth and that a new temple of truth would be built. Pilate is irritated by the man's calmness.

The Dialogue on Truth

What is Truth? The Unexpected Question Pilate asks Yeshua, "What is truth?" expecting a philosophical evasion. But Yeshua answers directly, diagnosing Pilate's headache and his longing for his dog. Pilate is astonished and realizes that this man is no ordinary criminal. The Healing Yeshua speaks of the truth that all men are good, and that authority is violence. He tells Pilate that his headache will soon pass. Pilate, feeling a strange relief, begins to see Yeshua as a harmless madman rather than a rebel. The Vision of Caesar But when Pilate reads a second report about Yeshua's words concerning Caesar, he sees a vision of the emperor Tiberius, and he understands the danger. He must choose between saving Yeshua and protecting himself.

Pilate's Dilemma

The Choice The Intercession of Kaifa Pilate tries to release Yeshua by offering the crowd a choice between Bar-Rabban and Yeshua, as is customary for Passover. But the high priest Joseph Kaifa insists on freeing Bar-Rabban, a rebel and murderer, instead of Yeshua. The Anger of Pilate Pilate is furious but powerless. He knows that if he defies the Sanhedrin, he will be denounced to Caesar. The fear of Tiberius overcomes his sympathy for Yeshua. The Confirmation Pilate confirms the death sentence, washing his hands of the matter. He orders the execution to proceed, but he is haunted by a sense of dread and immortality.

The Proclamation to the Crowd

The Sentence Announced The Platform Pilate stands on the stone platform overlooking the square, surrounded by soldiers. The crowd roars as he announces the names of the condemned: Dysmas, Gestas, Bar-Rabban, and Yeshua Ha-Nozri. The Release of Bar-Rabban Pilate proclaims that Bar-Rabban will be freed, as chosen by the Sanhedrin. The crowd erupts in joy. The three others are led away to be crucified on Bald Mountain. The Horseback Ride Pilate watches the cavalry ala ride past, heading to the execution site. He feels a deep emptiness and returns to the palace, his mind filled with the memory of Yeshua's words.

The Execution on Bald Mountain

The Crucifixion The Suffering of the Condemned The sun beats down on Bald Mountain. The three men are nailed to posts. Yeshua loses consciousness early, tormented by flies. The crowd has dispersed, leaving only soldiers and a few watchers, including Matthew Levi. The Act of Mercy Around the fifth hour, the centurion Mark Ratslayer allows a sponge of water to be given to Yeshua. But then, following orders, the executioner pierces Yeshua's heart with a spear, killing him. Dysmas and Gestas are also killed. The Storm A sudden storm breaks over the mountain, and the soldiers flee. Only Matthew Levi remains, cutting down Yeshua's body and carrying it away. The empty posts stand in the rain.

Early morning of the fourteenth of Nisan

Later that morning

Late morning

Around noon

Mid-afternoon