23“Why?” asked Pilate. “What evil has He done?” But they shouted all the louder, “Crucify Him!”
24When Pilate saw that he was accomplishing nothing, but that instead a riot was breaking out, he took water and washed his hands before the crowd. “I am innocent of this man’s blood,” he said. “You bear the responsibility.”
25All the people answered, “His blood be on us and on our children!”
26So Pilate released Barabbas to them. But he had Jesus flogged, and handed Him over to be crucified.
— Matthew 27:23-26

Related Resources from Heartlight

Devo: What Jesus Did!

"[When the crowd asked for Barabbas to be released,] Pilate responded, "Then what should I do with Jesus who is called the Messiah?" They shouted....."