8. For a long time Herod had wanted to see Jesus and was very happy because he finally had this chance. He had heard many things about Jesus and hoped to see him perform a miracle.
9. Herod asked him a lot of questions, but Jesus did not answer.
10. Then the chief priests and the teachers of the Law of Moses stood up and accused him of all kinds of bad things.
11. Herod and his soldiers made fun of Jesus and insulted him. They put a fine robe on him and sent him back to Pilate.
12. That same day Herod and Pilate became friends, even though they had been enemies before this.
13. Pilate called together the chief priests, the leaders, and the people.
14. He told them, “You brought Jesus to me and said he was a troublemaker. But I have questioned him here in front of you, and I have not found him guilty of anything that you say he has done.
15. Herod didn't find him guilty either and sent him back. This man doesn't deserve to be put to death!
16-17. I will just have him beaten with a whip and set free.”
18. But the whole crowd shouted, “Kill Jesus! Give us Barabbas!”
19. Now Barabbas was in jail because he had started a riot in the city and had murdered someone.