When Jesus returns to Pilate, both rulers affirm His innocence, yet the crowd—stirred by corrupt leaders—demands Barabbas, the rebel, be freed instead. In choosing a violent insurrectionist over the Prince of Peace, the people reveal humanity’s tragic preference for earthly power over spiritual deliverance.
Key theme: Humanity exchanges the true Son of God for a counterfeit “son of the father” (Barabbas).