The Death Sentence

(Matthew 27.15-26; Mark 15.6-15; John 18.39—19.16)

¹³ Pilate called together the chief priests, the leaders, and the people. ¹⁴ He told them, “You brought Jesus to me and said he was a troublemaker. But I have questioned him here in front of you, and I have not found him guilty of anything that you say he has done. ¹⁵ Herod didn't find him guilty either and sent him back. This man doesn't deserve to be put to death! ^16-17 I will just have him beaten with a whip and set free.”^[a]

¹⁸ But the whole crowd shouted, “Kill Jesus! Give us Barabbas!” ¹⁹ Now Barabbas was in jail because he had started a riot in the city and had murdered someone.

²⁰ Pilate wanted to set Jesus free, so he spoke again to the crowds. ²¹ But they kept shouting, “Nail him to a cross! Nail him to a cross!”

²² Pilate spoke to them a third time, “But what crime has he done? I have not found him guilty of anything for which he should be put to death. I will have him beaten with a whip and set free.”

²³ The people kept on shouting as loud as they could for Jesus to be put to death. ²⁴ Finally, Pilate gave in. ²⁵ He freed the man who was in jail for rioting and murder, because he was the one the crowd wanted to be set free. Then Pilate handed Jesus over for them to do what they wanted with him.