Wow, that reads like a Hollywood screenplay! Very engaging! But no matter how you parse it, it comes down to this: Jesus would not claim to be the Son of God when he was on trial for his life. Therefore, he was clearly not a willing sacrifice.
Christ went through several trials. When asked by the High priest if he was the Messiah He responded “I am.” The High Priest tore his ropes, ended the trial, labeled Jesus a blasphemer, and condemned Him. He didn’t deny who He was.
....”Jesus would not claim to be the Son of God when he was on trial for his life. Therefore, he was clearly not a willing sacrifice.”....
First I didn’t parse what I wrote from scripture...it’s scripture....which you would have identified had you read scripture as you say you have. But engaging...yes the scriptures can and do do so if you are seeking the truth.
Pilate’s main question to Jesus was whether he considered himself to be the King of the Jews in an attempt to assess him as a potential political threat....which is your question as well but for other reasons...Is Jesus or is he not the Messiah..the Christ of the Bible...that is what you must decide?
Mark in the NIV translation states:
“Are you the king of the Jews?” asked Pilate. “It is as you say”,... Jesus replied.
Other translations phrase: “Thou sayest it.”(King James Version, ); ....”So you say”. (Good News Bible). ....etc. etc. etc. From American Standard to a host of others...will clarify....Jesus indeed identified who He was.
But I’m not so sure you believe scripture ...do you? or is it all a fairy tale to you?
I have to eat something now...later...
So you judge JESUS as to what his motives were and what He SHOULD have said.
No lightning will get you today; for I suspect that MANY of us have also been exactly where you are today: wondering just what to make of the whole thing.
Though you are asking us vexing questions; it is sharpening our knowledge and indicates, at least to me; that you DO have a thirst for more.
I hope you travel the road to Damascus soon...