Then Pilate called together the executives and the leaders and the people, and said to them, “You brought this man before me as a rabble-rouser. Now look, I’ve heard the case publicly, and haven’t found this man guilty of a thing that you’re accusing him of. Nor did Herod, for he sent him back to us. Clearly he has done nothing to deserve death. So I’m going to whip him and let him go.”
Howling like a mob, they said, “Do away with this guy! We want ‘Daddy-boy'” (This was a fellow who had been put in jail for inciting to riot in the city and for murder.) Again Pilate addressed them, wanting to release Jesus. But they yelled back, “Kill him. Kill him” The third time he said to them, “Why? What’s his crime? I’ve found no reason to give him the death penalty. So I’m going to whip him and let him go.” But they screamed at the top of their voices, demanding that he be killed.
And their voices won. Pilate decided to grant their request. He released the one who had been put in jail for riot and murder, just as they asked, and he let them have Jesus to do to him as they pleased. And so they led him away.
Clarence Jordan
Cotton Patch Gospel
