"THE PERSUASION OF THE CROWD"

Have people ever changed your mind?

Parallel Gospel Accounts -

Matthew 27:11-26 - make a couple of observations -

Mark 15:1-5 - make a couple of observations -

Luke 23:1-5 - make a couple of observations -

John 18:28-38 - make a couple of observations -

Proposition - This morning we are going to see the governors interaction with your Savior. We will see 1) the Governor finds no fault, 2) the Governor’s plan fails, and 3) the Governor’s persuasion by the people.

Interrogative question - Are you persuaded by people?

1. The Governor finds no fault - vs. 11-14

Matthew 27:11–14 NASB95

11 Now Jesus stood before the governor, and the governor questioned Him, saying, “Are You the King of the Jews?” And Jesus said to him, “It is as you say.” 12 And while He was being accused by the chief priests and elders, He did not answer. 13 Then Pilate said to Him, “Do You not hear how many things they testify against You?” 14 And He did not answer him with regard to even a single charge, so the governor was quite amazed.

What would be going through you mind if you were in Jesus shoes?

Does it bother you if people keep asking you the same question but in a different way?

Why might Jesus have responded with such a short answer?

Why do you think Jesus did not respond to those who were accusing Him?

2. The Governor’s plan failed - vs. 15-23

Matthew 27:15–23 (NASB95)

15 Now at the feast the governor was accustomed to release for the people any one prisoner whom they wanted. 16 At that time they were holding a notorious prisoner, called Barabbas. 17 So when the people gathered together, Pilate said to them, “Whom do you want me to release for you? Barabbas, or Jesus who is called Christ?”

18 For he knew that because of envy they had handed Him over. 19 While he was sitting on the judgment seat, his wife sent him a message, saying, “Have nothing to do with that righteous Man; for last night I suffered greatly in a dream because of Him.”

20 But the chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowds to ask for Barabbas and to put Jesus to death. 21 But the governor said to them, “Which of the two do you want me to release for you?” And they said, “Barabbas.” 22 Pilate said to them, “Then what shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ?” They all said, “Crucify Him!” 23 And he said, “Why, what evil has He done?” But they kept shouting all the more, saying, “Crucify Him!”

What do you think might have been going through Pilates mind?

How did Pilate know that the crowds handed Jesus over b/c of envy?

Why do you think that Pilates wife spoke up?

How did the religious leaders affected the crowds?

3. The Governor’s persuasion by the people - vs. 24-26

Matthew 27:24–26 NASB95

24 When Pilate saw that he was accomplishing nothing, but rather that a riot was starting, he took water and washed his hands in front of the crowd, saying, “I am innocent of this Man’s blood; see to that yourselves.” 25 And all the people said, “His blood shall be on us and on our children!” 26 Then he released Barabbas for them; but after having Jesus scourged, he handed Him over to be crucified.

Why do you think that Pilate gave in?

How do you respond when your faced with per-pressure?

SO WHAT??

In what ways are you being persuaded by people?