Pilate had been woken early to deal with potential public disorder (Matthew 27:1-2). The Chief Priests took Jesus to the Roman Governor's palace accompanied by a mob calling for the death of Jesus. Pilate's attempt to offer Barabbas as a substitute was an attempt by the cowardly man to get Jesus released. But the pressure was against Pilate and against justice.
 
Pilate's wife then sent him a message. That was a courageous thing to do because the wife of a Governor had no legal authority at all. But she had been greatly disturbed the previous night by a dream. In her dream, she was somehow personally involved with Jesus and felt that if Jesus was crucified it would be her fault. She had to alert her husband. She told him strongly not to have anything to do with the death of Jesus. God had spoken to her and she knew she must pass on the message.
 
So Pilate, frustrated with the irrational attitude of the religious leaders, appealed to the crowd. Surely they would give him the excuse he needed to let Jesus go. But their leaders had manipulated the people so that they could only shout out that Jesus must die. They were not going to be deterred. Justice meant nothing to them. The clear Messianic prophecies, which Jesus fulfilled, meant nothing. Truth meant nothing. And Pilate had no courage to stand up for the truth which was so clear to his wife.
 
There are times when truth is a lonely place. When people are opposed to Jesus, lies look like wisdom and truth seems foolish. Jesus experienced all His disciples leaving Him (Matthew 26:56), being accused by lies, and justice being ignored. His only human ally was a Roman Governor's wife who had heard God's message: and she was ignored too. The popular vote has a large place for self-advancement, but often a small place for integrity. Do not be surprised if your thoughts about Jesus are not shared, or if your love of Jesus isolates you from others – keep loving them anyway. It can be a hard and lonely path but He will never leave you and will give you strength to stand with Him (2 Timothy 4:16-18).