Comments on Mark 15:9-11 Pilate is trying to short-circuit the Sanhedrin's power by appealing to popular voice. He probably thought this would work because just a few days previous to this Jesus was wildly popular (cf. Matt. 21). Unfortunately, popular opinion changes like the wind and Pilate's ruse fails because "the chief priests moved the people". Why do the people turn on Jesus so fast? Because he failed to fulfill their expectations of messiah. Copyright © 2002 by S. Kurt Neumiller . All rights reserved. No part of this text may be reproduced in any form or by any means for commercial gain without the express written consent of the author. Digital or printed copies may be freely made and distributed for personal and public non-commercial use.