Matthew 27:24-26 ▼

24 So 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.”

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

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