Book of Matthew - Chapter 27 - Verse 20

During the trial of Jesus before Pontius Pilate, the chief priests and elders of the Jewish people manipulated the crowd gathered in Jerusalem to demand the release of Barabbas instead of Jesus. Barabbas was a notorious criminal who had committed murder and sedition. The religious leaders, threatened by Jesus' teachings and popularity, saw him as a threat to their authority and sought to have him eliminated. By swaying the people to choose Barabbas over Jesus, they ensured that Jesus would be condemned to death by crucifixion. This event highlights the political and religious tensions of the time, as well as the willingness of those in power to use manipulation and deception to achieve their goals.