Preparing for the Journey

¹⁵ It was customary during the festival for the governor to release to the crowd one prisoner, whomever they might choose. ¹⁶ At that time there was a well-known prisoner named Jesus Barabbas. ¹⁷ When the crowd had come together, Pilate asked them, “Whom would you like me to release to you, Jesus Barabbas or Jesus who is called Christ?” ¹⁸ He knew that the leaders of the people had handed him over because of jealousy. ¹⁹ While he was serving as judge, his wife sent this message to him, “Leave that righteous man alone. I’ve suffered much today in a dream because of him.” 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.