At the Judgment Seat

I think every one has seen in movies or in paintings the sad scenes of Christ’s trial before Pilate and the angry mob. A particular painting comes to mind, I think I saw it in the front cover of and Ensign, of Pilate sitting on his throne, on one side Jesus, on the other Barabbas. I learned in class that things maybe didn’t happen quite like that. John 19:13 reads, “When Pilate therefore heard that saying, he brought Jesus forth, and sat down in the judgment seat in a place that is called the Pavement…” Who sat down in the judgment seat, Christ or Pilate? Even during his own mortal trial, Christ was the judge. As He sat on Pilate’ throne, He gave the people the chance to choose who would be their king. This new view completely changed my perspective of His trial.