20 But the chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowds to ask for Barabbas and kill Jesus.
21 The governor said, "Which of the two do you want me to release to you?" "Barabbas," they replied.
22 Pilate said, "Then what should I do with Jesus who is called Christ?" They all said, "Crucify him!"
23 But he said, "Why? What wrong has he done?" They shouted even louder, "Crucify him!"
24 Pilate saw that he was getting nowhere and that a riot was starting. So he took water and washed his hands in front of the crowd. "I’m innocent of this man’s blood," he said. "It’s your problem."
25 All the people replied, "Let his blood be on us and on our children."
26 Then he released Barabbas to them. He had Jesus whipped, then handed him over to be crucified.