The Crowd Calls For Jesus' Crucifixion

15 Now at the feast the governor was accustomed to release one prisoner for the crowd, whomever they wanted. 16 At that time they had a notorious prisoner named [fn]Barabbas. 17 So when the crowds were gathered together, Pilate said to them, “Whom do you want me to release for you? [fn]Barabbas, or Jesus, who is called Christ?” 18 (For he knew they had handed Jesus over out of envy.) 19 While Pilate was sitting on the judgment seat, his wife sent him this message: “Have nothing to do with that righteous man, for I have suffered a great deal today in a dream because of him.” 20 But the chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowds to ask for Barabbas to be released and for Jesus to be executed. 21 In response the governor said to them, “Which of the two do you want me to release for you?” They said, “Barabbas.” 22 So Pilate said to them, “What then shall I do with Jesus, who is called Christ?” They all said [fn]to him, “Let him be crucified!” 23 Then the governor said, “Why? What evil has he done?” But they cried out all the more, “Let him be crucified!”

24 When Pilate saw that he was achieving nothing and that a riot was breaking out, he took water and washed his hands before the crowd, saying, “I am innocent of the blood of this [fn]righteous man. See to it yourselves.” 25 All the people answered, “His blood be on us and on our children!” 26 Then he released for them Barabbas, but he scourged Jesus and handed him over to be crucified.