Mark 15:8 Commentary and Bible Study

The multitude began to desire that he follow tradition and released a prisoner at the time of the feast. Pilate was still trying to find a way out. He appealed directly to the crowds. He remonstrated with them, ‘Will ye that I release unto you the King of the Jews? for he knew that the chief priests had delivered him for envy.’ He could see they had no substantial charge to bring against Jesus. He could understand what was going on: that the crowds were drawn to Christ and the Pharisees who loved the praise of men were being starved of that praise. Thery wanted Jesus dead – out of the way. They thought it would solve the problems. Pilate understood that the Jewish leaders were manipulating the crowds and were trying to manipulate him. They knew his weak spot, and he was being forced towards a decision he did not want to give. He was trapped by their skilful and phoney pretence to be concerned about a threat to the Roman authority from Jesus of Nazareth. In a sense Christ died instead of Barabbas – dying for sinners.