What Should I Do With Jesus?

Today,as we continue in our study of Matthew’s Gospel account, we come to a question which seems to have perplexed Pilate, who was the Roman governor of Israel at the time of Jesus’ death. This question has not only perplexed Pilate, but it has perplexed folks from all walks of life ever since the day Pilate asked “What should I do then with Jesus?”

There are three basic responses to this question; and the response one chooses has an eternal impact on their future. The first possible response is to ignore Jesus. The second response is to reject Jesus. And the third response is to worship Jesus.

As we go through our text we are going to consider these responses as we look at the people who were a part of this event. First, let’s read our text: Matthew 27:15-26.

Let’s look first at

Lessons we Can Learn from Pilate

From Pilate we learn that often we are prone to do what is expedient rather than what is right.

Lessons we Can Learn from the Crowd

From the crowd we can learn that it is easy to be swayed to go along with the mob.

Most likely a different crowd than on Palm Sunday

The Palm Sunday crowd was mostly Galileans coming to Jerusalem for the feast

This crowd was most likely from Jerusalem, and they did not have the same affinity for Jesus as did the Galileans

They were willing to take the blame for Jesus death

This passage has been used to stir up anti-semitism

Lessons we Can Learn from Pilate’s Wife

From Pilate’s wife we learn that it is important to speak up for what is right, even if our words don’t sway others.

Lessons we Can Learn from the Chief Priests and Elders

From the council we learn the importance of having godly leaders.

They envied Jesus

They were persuasive with the crowd

Lessons we Can Learn from Barabbas

From Barabbas we learn the importance of substitution.

Paschal Prisoner

of the people’s choosing

Three crosses had been prepared

One of those was intended for Barabbas

The irony of the situation

Barabbas was a revolutionary and a murderer

Jesus was a healer and a man of peace

The irony of Barabbas’ name

Bar — son

Abba — father

Son of the Father

Jesus was the Son of the Father

Jesus Barabbas

Which Jesus do you want me to release?

The Doctrine of Substitution

Jesus died the death that was intended for Barabbas

Barabbas deserved to die for his crime

Jesus was innocent of any crime

We deserve to die for our crimes against God, but Jesus died in our place

Excerpt taken from THICKER THAN BLOOD by C. J. Darlington

“I want ya’ll to do something for me. Close your eyes, everyone. Now imagine you’re on death row.”

“You’re about to be executed.” … “They’ve got you tied to the bed. You’re terrified, shaking. It’s over. You’re done. You don’t look, but there’s a poke in your arm, and you know it’s truly the end.”

“Suddenly, the door bursts open, and a stranger rushes inside. He stops the guard ready to release the lethal fluid meant for you. You watch as the guard reluctantly steps away from his post, and the stranger unties your arms and legs.”

“You’re shocked when the guard leads you away from the death room and outside the prison gates where he releases you. ‘You’re free,’ he says, and you can only stare at him in astonishment. ‘But what about my crimes? I was sentenced to die,’ you say. The guard smirks like he can’t believe it either, then says with a point in the direction of the execution chamber. ‘That man in there. He just died in your place.’”