Matthew 27:20

Persuaded the multitude. The efforts of the leaders to influence the decision of the unthinking mob constituted absolute proof of the insincerity of their charges against Jesus. Much of Jesus’ popular support had come from Galilee and Peraea, where He had recently labored, and pilgrims from these regions probably slept outside the city and had not as yet entered at this early hour. One thing the leaders greatly feared was an attempt on the part of such friendly pilgrims to liberate Jesus (see on ch. 26:59). These wily leaders evidently purposed to have the matter settled before such an attempt should be made. The Jerusalem mob, which Josephus repeatedly describes as riotous, was fully under the control of the religious leaders. Pilate anticipated that some of the friends of Jesus would speak forth in behalf of the prisoner. He apparently did not know that the mob before his judgment seat was made up mostly, if not altogether, of men who were unfriendly or at least indifferent toward Jesus. For this reason Pilate’s ruse failed, doubtless to his great surprise and chagrin.

Ask. Literally, “ask for themselves.” The leaders proposed the liberation of a man guilty of the very crime—being a false messiah—of which they accused Jesus (see on v. 16), and urged the condemnation of the true Messiah! To put the matter another way, had Jesus actually been the political messiah for whom they looked, and had He made Himself king of the Jews and led the nation in revolt against Rome, they doubtless would have eagerly flocked to His standard!