CHOICES IN THE SEASON OF NOW

GIVE US BARABBAS

“The Price of a Choice”

Deception c. Distraction from the

Natthew 27:11ff

11 Now Jesus stood before [Pilate] the governor, and the governor asked Him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” [In affirmation] Jesus said to him, “It is as you say.” 12 But when the charges were brought against Him by the chief priests and elders, He did not answer. 13 Then Pilate said to Him, “Do You not hear how many things they are testifying against You?” 14 But Jesus did not reply to him, not even to a single accusation, so that the governor was greatly astonished.

27:16 Since Matthew is not concerned with what the crowd is choosing between in preferring Barabbas to Jesus, he is not interested in any particular information about Barabbas.

Barabbas represents: Hypocrisy; imitation truth

Deception c. Distraction from the TRUTH!

He limits the degree of focus on Barabbas. Matthew repeats ‘a prisoner’ (δέσμιον) from v. 16

Matthew 27:18 (NLT)

(He knew very well that the religious leaders had arrested Jesus out of envy.)

Matthew 27:19 NLT

Just then, as Pilate was sitting on the judgment seat, his wife sent him this message: “Leave that innocent man alone. I suffered through a terrible nightmare about him last night.”

Matthew 27:20–21 NLT

Meanwhile, the leading priests and the elders persuaded the crowd to ask for Barabbas to be released and for Jesus to be put to death. So the governor asked again, “Which of these two do you want me to release to you?” The crowd shouted back, “Barabbas!”

Matthew 27:22–23 NLT

Pilate responded, “Then what should I do with Jesus who is called the Messiah?” They shouted back, “Crucify him!” “Why?” Pilate demanded. “What crime has he committed?” But the mob roared even louder, “Crucify him!”

Matthew 27:24–26 NLT

Pilate saw that he wasn’t getting anywhere and that a riot was developing. So he sent for a bowl of water and washed his hands before the crowd, saying, “I am innocent of this man’s blood. The responsibility is yours!” And all the people yelled back, “We will take responsibility for his death—we and our children!” So Pilate released Barabbas to them. He ordered Jesus flogged with a lead-tipped whip, then turned him over to the Roman soldiers to be crucified.

THE CHARGE: INSURRECTION (REBELLION AGAINST THE GOVERNMENT)

THE TRUTH

Matthew 27:18

18 (He knew very well that the religious leaders had arrested Jesus out of envy.)

THE CHOICE FOR GENERATIONS

CHOICE OF THE FLESH

1ST AND 2ND OPINION