Luke 23:18-25

18The whole crowd then shouted, “Take him away! Free Barabbas for us.”

19(Barabbas had been thrown into prison for his involvement in a riot that had taken place in the city and for murder.)

20But because Pilate wanted to free Jesus, he spoke to the people again.

21They began yelling, “Crucify him! Crucify him!”

22A third time Pilate spoke to them. He asked, “Why? What has he done wrong? I haven’t found this man deserving of the death penalty. So I’m going to have him whipped and set free.”

23But the crowd pressured Pilate. They shouted that Jesus had to be crucified, and they finally won.

24Pilate decided to give in to their demand.

25He freed Barabbas, who had been put in prison for rioting and murdering, because that’s what they wanted. But he let them do what they wanted to Jesus.