Pilate asked Jesus about the accusations leveled against him. Pilate believed in Jesus’ innocence, but caved under the pressure of Jesus’ critics, who cried, “Crucify him!” (NIV, Matthew 27:22). Pilate agreed to the people’s demands, but washed his hands ceremoniously in front of the crowd, and said, “I am innocent of this man’s blood.… It is your responsibility!” (NIV, Matthew 27:24)