John 19:6
I think Pilate thought the Jews would see what he had done to Jesus and be appeased, but instead they just saw that they had gained momentum toward getting Jesus executed.
[11]?Jesus answered him, ?You would have no authority over me at all unless it had been given you from above. Therefore he who delivered me over to you has the greater sin.?
(John 19:11 ESV)
Pilate is finally starting to worry about bigger consequences of his actions, beyond this Jewish troublemaker. He?s not concerned enough to change deep down, but he is showing some concern. Pilate is a squeamish pawn in this trial. He may be able to stand up to the Jewish leaders and turn the events, but we?ll never know.
I think there is some grace & response showing through here because it?s AFTER Jesus lessens the guilt of Pilate that Pilate actually seeks to free Jesus. Jesus doesn?t say Pilate is innocent, but He does say that somebody is guilty of a greater sin.
Rather than threatening Pilate with what will happen to him, Jesus is revving up to ask the Father to forgive the men with the hammers and nails in their hands. Jesus is not only on a destination to His death, but He is on a destination to die a death that will be the sacrifice for the sins of the world. There is no reason to expect that the storehouse of sins should lessen as He nears the cross, they will all hurt Him the same as He is victorious over them.