20
Meanwhile, the high priests and religious leaders had talked the crowd into asking for the pardon of Barabbas and the execution of Jesus.
21
The governor asked, "Which of the two do you want me to pardon?" They said, "Barabbas!"
22
"Then what do I do with Jesus, the so-called Christ?" They all shouted, "Nail him to a cross!"
23
He objected, "But for what crime?" But they yelled all the louder, "Nail him to a cross!"
24
When Pilate saw that he was getting nowhere and that a riot was imminent, he took a basin of water and washed his hands in full sight of the crowd, saying, "I'm washing my hands of responsibility for this man's death. From now on, it's in your hands. You're judge and jury."
25
The crowd answered, "We'll take the blame, we and our children after us."
26
Then he pardoned Barabbas. But he had Jesus whipped, and then handed over for crucifixion.
27
The soldiers assigned to the governor took Jesus into the governor's palace and got the entire brigade together for some fun.
28
They stripped him and dressed him in a red toga.
29
They plaited a crown from branches of a thorn bush and set it on his head. They put a stick in his right hand for a scepter. Then they knelt before him in mocking reverence: "Bravo, King of the Jews!" they said. "Bravo!"
30
Then they spit on him and hit him on the head with the stick.