Mark 15:6 Commentary and Bible Study

It may have happened at all feasts, but certainly at this one. ‘Surely,’ thought Pilate, ‘they will want me to release Jesus of Nazareth. He's done so much good among them. He has healed so many of them, by his amazing power. He has such standing among the people. Surely this vast crowd; there is no question – they will choose to release Jesus of Nazareth, against the wishes of the chief priests who want him dead.’ But Pilate was wrong, because the second humiliation is that the people by choice – what a momentous choice! – freely, voluntarily reject Jesus of Nazareth and prefer Barabbas.