Luke 23:1-25

1Then the whole council rose and led Jesus away to Pilate. 2And they began to accuse Him, saying, “We found this man subverting our nation, forbidding payment of taxes to Caesar, and proclaiming Himself to be Christ, a King.”

3So Pilate asked Him, “Are You the King of the Jews?”

“You have said so,” Jesus replied.

4Then Pilate said to the chief priests and the crowds, “I find no basis for a charge against this man.”

5But they kept insisting, “He stirs up the people all over Judea with His teaching. He began in Galilee and has come all the way here.”

6When Pilate heard this, he asked if the man was a Galilean. 7And learning that Jesus was under Herod’s jurisdiction, he sent Him to Herod, who himself was in Jerusalem at that time.

8When Herod saw Jesus, he was greatly pleased. He had wanted to see Him for a long time, because he had heard about Him and was hoping to see Him perform a miracle. 9Herod questioned Jesus at great length, but He gave no answer.

10Meanwhile, the chief priests and scribes stood there, vehemently accusing Him. 11And even Herod and his soldiers ridiculed and mocked Him. Dressing Him in a fine robe, they sent Him back to Pilate.

12That day Herod and Pilate became friends; before this time they had been enemies.

13Then Pilate called together the chief priests, the rulers, and the people, 14and said to them, “You brought me this man as one who was inciting the people to rebellion. I have examined Him here in your presence and found Him not guilty of your charges against Him. 15Neither has Herod, for he sent Him back to us. As you can see, He has done nothing deserving of death. 16Therefore I will punish Him and release Him.”1

18But they all cried out in unison: “Away with this man! Release Barabbas to us!” 19(Barabbas had been imprisoned for an insurrection in the city, and for murder.)

20Wanting to release Jesus, Pilate addressed them again, 21but they kept shouting, “Crucify Him! Crucify Him!”

22A third time he said to them, “What evil has this man done? I have found in Him no offense worthy of death. So after I punish Him, I will release Him.”

23But they were insistent, demanding with loud voices for Jesus to be crucified. And their clamor2 prevailed. 24So Pilate sentenced that their demand be met. 25As they had requested, he released the one imprisoned for insurrection and murder, and he handed Jesus over to their will.