Today in Luke 23:13-31 we find the chief priests, scribes and elders driving the verdict against Jesus! As He was found to not be guilty of any offenses worthy of death by Pilate himself, or by Herod, Pilate's desire was to "punish" Jesus in the Jewish manner, but to release Him! The powers that be at the moment wouldn't have that, and the plan of God wouldn't either, and so an actual criminal would be released in the place of the innocent! Barabbas (whose name in Hebrew means "son of the Father") who actually was a criminal worthy of death in the sight of Rome was to be released in favor of Jesus who had not done anything wrong! Just as in our society today, Pilate caved politically to the desires of the few!!! This and more today with Pastor J.