Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary John 19:7

"The Jews answered him, We have a law, and by that law he ought to die, because he made himself the Son of God." — John 19:7 (ASV)

The Jewish officials demanded crucifixion for no good reason that Pilate could determine. In disgust he told them to crucify him themselves, for no charge could be brought against him. Pilate obviously realized that the Sanhedrin could not execute the sentence; his apparent relegation of Jesus to them was an act of sarcasm. The Jews knew this and made a new approach to Pilate, claiming that by their law Jesus was worthy of death for blasphemy (cf. Leviticus 24:16), because he claimed to be the Son of God .