20
But the leading priests and older leaders convinced the crowd to ask for Barabbas to be freed and for Jesus to be killed.
21
Pilate said, "I have Barabbas and Jesus. Which do you want me to set free for you?" The people answered, "Barabbas."
22
Pilate asked, "So what should I do with Jesus, the one called the Christ?" They all answered, "Crucify him!"
23
Pilate asked, "Why? What wrong has he done?" But they shouted louder, "Crucify him!"
24
When Pilate saw that he could do nothing about this and that a riot was starting, he took some water and washed his handsn in front of the crowd. Then he said, "I am not guilty of this man's death. You are the ones who are causing it!"
25
All the people answered, "We and our children will be responsible for his death."
26
Then he set Barabbas free. But Jesus was beaten with whips and handed over to the soldiers to be crucified.
27
The governor's soldiers took Jesus into the governor's palace, and they all gathered around him.
28
They took off his clothes and put a red robe on him.
29
Using thorny branches, they made a crown, put it on his head, and put a stick in his right hand. Then the soldiers bowed before Jesus and made fun of him, saying, "Hail, King of the Jews!"
30
They spat on Jesus. Then they took his stick and began to beat him on the head.