Of Such Is The Kingdom, A Novel of Biblical Times in 3 parts

PART II  CHAPTER 16:  FRIENDS AGAIN

That very day Pilate and Herod became friends with each other, for previously they had been at enmity with each other.

---Luke 23: 12

Meanwhile, Herod had arrived at Pilate’s guest chamber.  He was welcomed formally but coldly by Pilate.  He smiled and said coldly, “Thank you for sending that Jesus fellow to me.  Watching him stand there speechless was the best entertainment I’ve had all year.”

“He’s an interesting character alright.  ‘King of the Jews!’  What did you end up doing with him?”

“Why, sending him back to you.”

“What?  How could you?  He’s a Galilean.  He’s in your jurisdiction.”

"Yes, Pilate, he is my geographical jurisdiction.  However, this type of case, involving political overtones as it does, falls more in your jurisdiction.  It was for precisely such matters as this that you were sent to Judea.”

“I suppose you’re right.” Pilate sighed.  “But, I haven’t the slightest notion how I’m going to handle it.”

“It is a tough case.  The Jews are quite determined to have his blood and if you don’t go along with them, they could make trouble for you with Caesar.”

“That’s what I’m afraid of.  But the man seems to me to be innocent.  Doesn’t he seem so to you?”

“Yes, he certainly does.  How could such a peaceful looking man be guilty of plotting insurrection?”

“He’s a far cry from that Barabbas fellow who led the insurrection against me a little while ago.”

“It seems the Jews are trying to frame this man for some reason.  When you think about it, all of their stories on what he’s supposed to have said don’t actually agree.”

“My wife even had a dream in which she was told that he is a just man.  I can’t help but agree.”

“You know, you’re absolutely right.  The best thing would be if there were some way you could avoid sentencing him.”

“But, how?  I shall have to make some kind of decision.”

Herod scratched his head.  Then his eyes lightened.  “There just may be a way at that.  Its Passover time, you know.  Remember the tradition which says you must release one prisoner?”

“Ah, yes!  I had almost forgotten about that.”

“Well, you offer to release this man instead of a more hardened criminal.  Of course they’ll accept this man’s release.”

“You may have something there.”

Both men had been studying each other as they spoke.  Now, Pilate suddenly said, “You know, Herod, you’re not so bad after all.”

“Nor you, Pilate.”

“All those things I said about you--"

“Forget it.  And the things I said about you--"

“Likewise!  Let’s be friends.  What do you say?”  He reached out to Herod, who took his hand.  They shook hands.

“All right, friend.  I’ll go take a seat in the praetorium while you get ready.”

As Herod left, Pilate started to make his way to the judgment hall.  On his way out, however, he passed through the bed chamber where he saw the letters his wife had written.  He picked them up and began tearing them up.  At that moment, Portia entered.  She had been looking for him to tell him that the crowd was asking for him.  She saw what her husband was doing and was shocked.  “Pontius Pilate!  What on earth are you doing?”

“I’m tearing up these blasted letters!  Herod and I have become friends.”

“What?  Have you gone mad?”

“Well, Portia dear, Herod is a good man.  Why should I want his position?  Anyway, what’s the use?”

“Honestly, Pontius Pilate!  You’ll never amount to anything!”

The noise of the crowd was growing steadily louder.  “Well, they’re out there.  I guess I’d better go and face them.”

“I hope you do better with them!  Remember my dream.  This man is innocent.”

“I know, dear. I know.”