Jesus, the most innocent of beings, is condemned to death, yes, to the shameful death of the cross. In order to remain a friend of Caesar, Pilate delivers Jesus into the hands of His enemies. O fearful crime, to condemn Innocence to death and to displease God in order to please men.

O innocent Jesus,  I have sinned and I am guilty of eternal death; but that I may Live,  Thou dost gladly accept the unjust sentence of death.  For whom then shall I henceforth live  if not for Thee, my Lord?   If I desire to please men,  I can not be Thy servant.  Let me, therefore, rather displease the whole world than not please Thee, O Jesus!