The crowd in Pilate’s courtyard was noisy and demanding. Led by the High Priest they shouted accusations concerning Jesus. Pilate resented being manipulated by the High Priest and his Jewish rules. Even now he could see the High Priest giving orders and the crowd becoming more and more unruly. Even though Pilate didn’t like the tactics of the High Priest, he couldn’t risk a riot among the Jews, with word getting back to Caesar, in Rome. He needed a way to appeal to the people in the crowd, not the High Priest or his attendants. Every year, during the Passover celebration, there was a tradition of releasing a prisoner, of the people’s choice. A week ago, there was word that Jesus had approached Jerusalem, with people shouting “Hosanna, to the King!” Now, was the time to appeal to the people. “What prisoner would you like me to release? Barabbas or Jesus, the Messiah?” Pilate asked the crowd. Quickly, the High Priest spread the word, “Release Barabbas!” “Then what do you want me to do with Jesus?” Pilate asked. “Crucify him,” they all answered. “Why? What crime has He committed?” Pilate asked. The crowd became louder, “Crucify him!” When Pilate saw that he was getting nowhere, but instead an uproar was beginning, he took a basin of water and washed his hands, in front of the people, and said, “I am innocent of this man’s blood, it is your responsibility!” [Story based on the Bible Reference – John 18:28-19:16]