St Matthew Passion – then the cock crows. In the morning (No. 41) Jesus is sent to Pontius Pilate while Judas is overcome by remorse and kills himself. Pilate interrogates Jesus (No. 43), is impressed and is inclined to release him, as it was customary to release one prisoner for the holiday, supported in this by his wife. But the crowd, given the choice to have Jesus released or Barabbas, a thief, insurrectionist and murderer, asks with one voice "Barrabam!". They vote to crucify Jesus, Pilate gives in, washing his hands claiming his innocence, and delivers Jesus to torture and crucifixion. On the
Matthew 27:11 the trial before Pilate. The following exchange between Jesus and Pilate is a rare item found in all four Gospels. With variations it is also at , , and -. This second interrogation closely parallels that of the first trial before the Sanhedrin in Matthew 26. The text implies that the Jewish leaders have briefed Pilate on the accusations they have against Jesus, and here he test them himself. This is the second time in Matthew a Gentile has referred to Jesus as "King of the Jews." The previous time was the Magi from the East doing so at .