8. When Herod saw Jesus, he was very happy. He had heard all about him and had wanted to meet him for a long time. Herod wanted to see a miracle, so he was hoping that Jesus would do one.
9. He asked him many questions, but Jesus said nothing.
10. The leading priests and teachers of the law were standing there shouting things against Jesus.
11. Then Herod and his soldiers laughed at him. They made fun of him by dressing him in clothes like kings wear. Then Herod sent him back to Pilate.
12. In the past Pilate and Herod had always been enemies. But on that day they became friends.
13. Pilate called all the people together with the leading priests and the Jewish leaders.
14. He said to them, “You brought this man to me. You said he was trying to change the people. But I judged him before you all and have not found him guilty of the things you say he has done.
15. Herod didn’t find him guilty either. He sent him back to us. Look, he has done nothing bad enough for the death penalty.
16. So, after I punish him a little, I will let him go free.”
18. But they all shouted, “Kill him! Let Barabbas go free!”
19. (Barabbas was a man who was in jail for starting a riot in the city and for murder.)
20. Pilate wanted to let Jesus go free. So again Pilate told them that he would let him go.
21. But they shouted again, “Kill him! Kill him on a cross!”
22. A third time Pilate said to the people, “Why? What wrong has he done? He is not guilty. I can find no reason to kill him. So I will let him go free after I punish him a little.”