Matthew 27:16-26

16And at that time they were holding a notorious prisoner [guilty of insurrection and murder], called Barabbas.

17So when they had assembled [for this purpose], Pilate said to them, “Whom do you want me to set free for you? Barabbas, or Jesus who is called Christ?”

18For Pilate knew that it was because of jealousy that the chief priests and elders had handed Jesus over to him.

19While he was seated on the judgment seat, his wife sent him a message, saying, “Have nothing to do with that righteous and innocent Man; for last night I suffered greatly in a dream because of Him.”

20But the chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowds to ask for Barabbas and to put Jesus to death.

21The governor said to them, “Which of the two do you wish me to set free for you?” And they said, “Barabbas.”

22Pilate said to them, “Then what shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ?” They all replied, “Let Him be crucified!”

23And he said, “Why, what has He done that is evil?” But they continued shouting all the louder, “Let Him be crucified!”

24So when Pilate saw that he was getting nowhere, but rather that a riot was breaking out, he took water and washed his hands [to ceremonially cleanse himself of guilt] in the presence of the crowd, saying, “I am innocent of this [righteous] Man’s blood; see to that yourselves.”

25And all the people answered, “Let [the responsibility for] His blood be on us and on our children!”

26So he set Barabbas free for them; but after having Jesus severely whipped (scourged), he handed Him over to be crucified.