After Pilate’s sentence, Jesus is handed over to a full Roman cohort and turned into a cruel spectacle. The soldiers mock Him as “King of the Jews,” stripping Him, dressing Him in a scarlet robe, crowning Him with thorns, and giving Him a reed as a scepter—then kneel in false homage, spit on Him, and beat His thorn-crowned head.

During Passover, Pilate offers the crowd a choice between Jesus and Barabbas, a notorious robber and murderer. Urged on by the religious leaders, the people demand Barabbas’ release and Jesus’ crucifixion. The passage contrasts their characters and ends with a note of hope: God’s grace later leads many to faith.