When Pilate saw that he was getting nowhere, but that instead an uproar was starting, he took water and washed his hands in front of the crowd. “I am innocent of this man's blood,” he said. “It is your responsibility!” (Mt 27:24) Pilate made quite the dramatic statement in this confrontational Passion scene. The mob was riled up, tempers flared . . . and Pilate backed off. He wasn't about to muddy himself with involvement. He wanted no part in this controversial mess. Call it