“Then they took Jesus from Caiaphas to Pilate’s headquarters. It was early in the morning. They themselves did not enter the headquarters, so as to avoid ritual defilement and to be able to eat the Passover. So Pilate went out to them and said, ‘What accusation do you bring against this man?’ They answered, ‘If this man were not a criminal, we would not have handed him over to you.’ Pilate said to them, ‘Take him yourselves and judge him according to your law.’ The Jews replied, ‘We are not permitted to put anyone to death.’” John 18:28-31

“Are not the Jews seeking to kill Jesus already defiled by their own actions and thoughts? Seeking the death of an innocent man must certainly defile one and preclude one from participating in the Passover Meal. How about in our own lives? What are the things we do to keep up appearances and yet we are defiled? Whatever comes to mind, stop, confess to God, ask for forgiveness.