The only king
The Israelite priests knew well what the scriptures say about who is king, among others:
"All nations will remember the LORD. From every part of the world they will turn to him; all races will worship him. The LORD is king, and he rules the nations.
All proud people will bow down to him; all mortals will bow down before him. Future generations will serve him; they will speak of the Lord to the coming generation. People not yet born will be told: “The Lord saved his people.”"
~ Psalms 22.27-31 GNB
But their hearts were corrupted.
".. Pilate asked them, “Do you want me to crucify your king?” The chief priests answered, “The only king we have is the Emperor!” Then Pilate handed Jesus over to them to be crucified."
~ John 19.15-16 GNB
And their lives were not even the least bit in danger! They voluntarily chose to deny the LORD, their king.
Oh Holy Spirit
please help me not to deny the LORD
with my thoughts, words, nor actions
and help me choose Jesus daily