Pilate appears to be disgusted with the people. "You take him and crucify him, because I find no fault on him.". He has had enough of their games. But the Pharisees know the political ropes well. "We have a law, and according to our law he ought to die because he made himself the Son of God." Scripture says when Pilate heard this is was "more afraid". Why would this frighten him?
Perhaps because the emperors of Rome called themselves Gods and sons of God claiming divine right to rule the people. If Pilate allows someone to claim divinity, he is supporting a rebellion against Rome. Or perhaps he had heard prophesies about someone claiming to be divine taking over Israel. Listen to his immediate question to Jesus. "Where are you from?" (John 19:6-8).
Remember Herod had heard from the Wisemen that a king was to be born in Jerusalem. That Herod was long dead but his son knew the story. The Pharisees were clearly indicating that Jesus was leading an uprising against Rome.
Anti- Christian movements use the same tactic today saying that Christians want to take over governments. But our kingdom is not of this world (John 18:35).
