From “Hosanna!” to “Crucify!” The Fickle Crowds in the Four Gospels

It is often taken for granted that the same crowds who hail Jesus at his triumphal entry later turn against him and cry for his crucifixion. A careful examination of the four Gospel narratives overturns this assumption by demonstrating that the two crowds are not the same narrative character. Despite this, the vehemence of the crowds who cry for Jesus’ crucifixion demands explanation. This essay concludes by exploring several different reasons for the cries to release Barabbas and crucify Jesus and by suggesting that no single explanation is sufficient.