18
(He knew very well that the religious leaders had arrested Jesus out of envy.)
19
Just then, as Pilate was sitting on the judgment seat, his wife sent him this message: “Leave that innocent man alone. I suffered through a terrible nightmare about him last night.”
20
Meanwhile, the leading priests and the elders persuaded the crowd to ask for Barabbas to be released and for Jesus to be put to death.
21
So the governor asked again, “Which of these two do you want me to release to you?” The crowd shouted back, “Barabbas!”
22
Pilate responded, “Then what should I do with Jesus who is called the Messiah?” They shouted back, “Crucify him!”
23
“Why?” Pilate demanded. “What crime has he committed?” But the mob roared even louder, “Crucify him!”
24
Pilate saw that he wasn’t getting anywhere and that a riot was developing. So he sent for a bowl of water and washed his hands before the crowd, saying, “I am innocent of this man’s blood. The responsibility is yours!”
25
And all the people yelled back, “We will take responsibility for his death—we and our children!”
26
So Pilate released Barabbas to them. He ordered Jesus flogged with a lead-tipped whip, then turned him over to the Roman soldiers to be crucified.
27
Some of the governor’s soldiers took Jesus into their headquarters and called out the entire regiment.
28
They stripped him and put a scarlet robe on him.