Pilate's decision to deliver Jesus to be crucified was largely influenced by the pressure from the crowd. The chief priests and elders, who stirred up the crowd, demanded Jesus' crucifixion, and Pilate, wanting to maintain order and avoid a potential riot, yielded to their demands. Pilate himself found no fault in Jesus and even washed his hands publicly to symbolize his innocence in the matter, but he ultimately chose to prioritize political expediency and placating the crowd over justice.