Pilate could see that their real motivation for wanting Jesus dead was envy. They were doing all their religious works to be seen of men, and were upset that Jesus was getting more recognition than they were. If these Jews would have thought about what type of witness they were giving, even they would have known that their actions were not inspired by God.
We are God's witnesses on earth, or as Paul said, "We are epistles... known and read of all men" (2 Corinthians 3:2). Judging our actions in the light of, "What kind of witness will this give to others?" will help us determine whether we are being led of God or not.
The chief priests had deceived themselves and other religious people into believing that they were condemning Jesus for godly reasons, but even an ungodly ruler like Pilate could see through their lies. Religious bondage blinds people to the truth even more than sin does.
The rulers wanted to keep their power and authority, so they fought against the power and authority of Jesus.
Men use doctrinal issues to disguise the real issue. The truth is that, "Only by pride cometh contention" (Proverbs 13:10). People who love to have the pre-eminence (3 John 9) are usually the instigators of persecution.
