Matthew 27:15-26
Read Matthew 27 in full →15aNow at the feast the governor was accustomed to release for the crowd any one prisoner whom they wanted. 16And at that time they were holding a notorious prisoner, called Barabbas. 17So when the people gathered together, Pilate said to them, “Whom do you want me to release for you? 1Barabbas, or Jesus awho is called 2Christ?” 18For he knew that because of envy they had delivered Him over.
19aNow while he was sitting on the judgment seat, his wife sent him a message, saying, “Have nothing to do with that brighteous Man; for 1last night I suffered greatly cin a dream because of Him.” 20But the chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowds to aask for Barabbas and to put Jesus to death. 21But the governor answered and said to them, “Which of the two do you want me to release for you?” And they said, “Barabbas.” 22Pilate *said to them, “Then, what shall I do with Jesus awho is called 1Christ?” They all *said, “Let Him be crucified!” 23And he said, “Why, what evil did He do?” But they were crying out all the more, saying, “Let Him be crucified!”
24Now when Pilate saw that he was accomplishing nothing, but rather that aa riot was starting, he took water and bwashed his hands in front of the crowd, saying, “I am innocent of cthis man’s blood; dsee to that yourselves.” 25And all the people answered and said, “aHis blood be on us and on our children!” 26Then he released Barabbas 1for them; but after having Jesus ascourged, he delivered Him over to be crucified.