But you have a custom that I should release someone for you at the Passover. Do you want me to release for you the king of the Jews?' — Pilate's appeal to Passover amnesty (perhaps historically dubious but dramatically effective) offers Jesus' release. The mockingly formal title "the king of the Jews" from Pilate's mouth—echoing the leaders' charge—suggests the governor's recognition of the charge's inherent irony. The custom provides a legal exit from the judicial impasse.

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