Jesus or Barabbas

We continue in our walk through the Gospel of Matthew this morning. We are nearing the end of the Passion week of Jesus. Last week we saw Peter deny that he even knew Jesus, just before the rooster crowed. We then saw Judas regret what he had done and attempt to correct his mistake. The agony of his setting up an innocent man led Judas to hang himself.

By this time Jesus had already been tried before Annas the former high priest and then tried before the Sanhedrin at the house of Ciaphas. All occurring during the middle of the night during a feast week. Then the next morning the Sanhedrin met again in the Sanhedrin chambers in the temple complex. They again passed judgment on Jesus, sentencing Him to die.

So, let’s dig into our text this morning as Jesus is turned over to Pilate.

Jesus Before Pilate (27:11-14)

Matthew 27:11 (ESV)

11 Now Jesus stood before the governor, and the governor asked him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” Jesus said, “You have said so.”

We saw last week in Matthew 27:2 that Jesus was turned over to Pilate. Matthew then focused on Judas before returning to Jesus and Pilate here in verse 11. We covered last some of the detail of who Pilate was and why he was getting involved in this local matter. Pilate had a mandate from Rome to keep the Jews peaceful and under control. That meant that sometimes Pilate would have to do things that we not normally acceptable. As the representative of the Emperor Pilate had full authority to do what he needed to do to keep the peace.

So Jesus was taken to Pilate. We know the Gospel of John that the Jewish leadership did not enter Pilate’s headquarters so that they would not make themselves ceremonially unclean during the feast. They remained outside. This leaves Jesus alone with Pilate. Of course there were some guards but it was just Jesus and Pilate.

Matthew does not give us all the details that John does. In John's gospel, we see that Pilate went out to the Jewish leadership to learn what the charges were against Jesus from the Jewish leadership. Look at what John records:

John 18:30–31 (ESV)

John 18:30–31 ESV

They answered him, “If this man were not doing evil, we would not have delivered him over to you.” Pilate said to them, “Take him yourselves and judge him by your own law.” The Jews said to him, “It is not lawful for us to put anyone to death.”

30 They answered him, “If this man were not doing evil, we would not have delivered him over to you.” 31 Pilate said to them, “Take him yourselves and judge him by your own law.” The Jews said to him, “It is not lawful for us to put anyone to death.”

If He were not guilty, we would not have brought Him to you. I love that. It is like a judge asking a defendant how they plead. When the defendant says not guilty, the judge slams the gavel down and says, the cop would not have arrested you if you were not guilty. Guilty is the verdict. Or the cop saying to the judge, you do not need to have a trial, I would not have arrested him if he were not guilty. I can pretty much guarantee that neither of those situations will work. But that is exactly what the Jews said to Pilate. Just trust us. He is guilty.

We looked last week at why the Jews said that it was not legal for them to put someone to death. We know that they had the capacity to execute people for violations of their law. You just need to look at the stoning of Steven. But they could not execute via the cross, and it was the feast time, so they could not have properly executed Jesus right then either.

Mark tells us that the Jewish leadership also made several accusations against Jesus. Luke tells us that the Jewish leaders accused Jesus mislead Israel and was forbidding them to give tribute to Caesar. Of course, we know that is a false accusation as Jesus had just a couple of days before told those same leaders to give to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s. But this was the perfect accusation for the Jews to give to Pilate. By this time, Caesar was viewed as a god, and the Roman Empire had a requirement to worship Caesar. Accusing Jesus of not worshiping Caesar, but more preventing Israel from worshiping Caesar was sure to get Pilate to respond.

Matthew 27:13–14 (ESV)

13 Then Pilate said to him, “Do you not hear how many things they testify against you?” 14 But he gave him no answer, not even to a single charge, so that the governor was greatly amazed.

Pilate goes back into where Jesus was being held. It appears that it was close enough for Jesus to have heard the Jewish leaders who had just been talking to Pilate. Pilate asks Jesus if He had heard what they said about Him. Jesus had just been accused of violating Roman law. So, Pilate pushes Jesus, did you hear what they said about you?

But Jesus did not respond. Matthew tells us twice that Jesus does not respond. Why does Matthew emphasize Jesus’ silence? I think that Jesus knew His mission must continue. He must go to the cross. Think about it. Jesus could have told Pilate that He had not prevented giving tribute to Caesar. Give to Caesar what Caesar is due. Pilate would have been satisfied. We know that he did not want even to be involved in this. But he was.

Jesus stood silent before Pilate silent. I suspect that Pilate had discovered as I had that guilty people always argue and try to make a defense. They have no other recourse. The more they argue the guiltier they looked to me, and I suspect to Pilate. So when Jesus stood there silent, Pilate was amazed. Jesus’ quiet composure amazed Pilate and I think also frustrated him. Pilate had to keep the peace, but as a soldier, I think he also had somewhat of a moral compass as well. Pilate knew that Jesus was not guilty of insurrection or other capital crimes. But, if he did not deal with Jesus, there would be no quiet in Israel. We need to remember the historical context of this event. It was Passover time, and the population of Jerusalem would double, triple, or quadruple. Almost all of Israel would be in Jerusalem, and many people who lived outside of Israel would also be there.

Pilate actually lived in Caesarea Maritima, up on the upper coast of the Mediterranean sea. He would come to Jerusalem to oversee Rome’s interest in Jerusalem. It was so important for Pilate to keep the peace he went to Jerusalem to personally oversee the efforts. This was a big deal to him, and the Jewish leaders were not helping.

The Crowd Chooses Barabbas (27:15-23)

In an effort to keep the peace and keep things calm in Jerusalem and all of Israel, Pilate did some unconventional things.

Matthew 27:15–18 (ESV)

15 Now at the feast the governor was accustomed to release for the crowd any one prisoner whom they wanted. 16 And they had then a notorious prisoner called Barabbas. 17 So when they had gathered, 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 it was out of envy that they had delivered him up.

It appeared that when Pilate went out to the Jewish leaders to seek their input, there was not much of a crowd. But that changes. I suspect that it was the first thing after sunrise that Jesus was pronounced guilty by the Sanhedrin and then sent right over to Pilate. By the time Pilate converses with Jesus and the leaders, it is a little later in the day, and a crowd has formed.

One of the things that Pilate customarily did during the feast was to release a prisoner held by the Roman government back to Israel. We can find no record of such a custom outside of the Gospels. But there is a reference in the Mishna to a Passover sacrifice being offered for one whom they promised to bring out of prison. This is the only external reference to this custom. The custom was to have the Jews decide whom they wanted to be released.

I am sure that Pilate thought that since Jesus had been a very popular teacher all through Israel that the Jews would want Jesus released. Pilate knew what the leadership wanted, but Pilate went out and asked the gathering crowd whom they wanted.

The Romans had a prisoner named Barnabas. Matthew described Barnabas as a “notorious” prisoner. Mark tells us that Barabbas had killed people in an insurrection. Barabbas was a rebel against Rome and had actually killed people. Clearly, Rome wanted him in prison or executed more than they wanted Jesus. Pilate was hoping that the crowd would as well. Pilate provided the crowd a stark contrast in a choice of who to release. A murdering insurrectionist, or a man who healed the sick, raised the dead and fed the hungry. I suspect that Pilate was sure they would pick Jesus, and Pilate’s problem would be solved. Look closely at verse 18.

Matthew 27:18 (ESV)

18 For he knew that it was out of envy that they had delivered him up.

Pilate knew that the Jewish leaders brought these charges against Jesus because they were envious of Jesus. Jesus had done things they could not even dream of doing. He had crowds showing up; they had no way to gather. All of their power, position, and prestige was being taken from them, and they wanted it to stop. Pilate could see through the smokescreen the leaders had set up. They fained their concern for the Roman empire because of Jesus. Pilate saw right through that. Pilate knew that the leaders did not really have a real cause against Jesus. They just wanted Pilate to remove the competition from them, and Pilate knew it.

Matthew 27:19 (ESV)

19 Besides, while he was sitting on the judgment seat, his wife sent word to him, “Have nothing to do with that righteous man, for I have suffered much because of him today in a dream.”

I love this verse. Pilate wanted this issue to go away. Matthew tells us his wife wanted it to go away as well. Pilate was in his chambers sitting on the Bema seat. That is what the judgment seat is, the bema seat that we see in eschatological passages. Pilate was sitting on the bench as a judge.

Somehow his wife sent a note to Pilate telling him to have nothing to do with executing Jesus. Pilate’s wife says that she had a vision or nightmare because of Jesus. Notice what Pilate’s wife says about Jesus. “He is a righteous man.” So Pilate saw through the smokescreen of the Jewish leadership, knowing that they were just envious of Jesus. Pilate had concluded that Jesus was not guilty. Then Pilate’s wife said that Jesus was righteous. It was clear Jesus was not guilty, and everyone knew it.

Some scholars look at verse 19 believe that during her dream/nightmare, God had given her supernatural knowledge of Jesus’ righteousness. Or perhaps she just knew of Jesus’ reputation. Either is possible, and neither is specifically stated.

Only Dr. Luke tells us that at about this time, Jesus was sent over to Herod Antipas for his ruling on the matter. Pilate recognized that Jesus was a Galilean, and as a Galilean, Jesus fell under the authority of Herod Antipas. Perhaps Pilate could extricate himself from this issue by passing the buck, kicking the can down the road, over to Herod. Herod interrogated Jesus and even mocked Him. They even put “splendid clothing” on Jesus. But Herod could make no charge against Jesus, so Herod sent Jesus back to Pilate.

Matthew 27:20 (ESV)

20 Now the chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowd to ask for Barabbas and destroy Jesus.

Jesus is back to Pilate. The Jewish leaders had infiltrated the crowd gathering and incited the crowd to ask for Barabbas and not Jesus to be released. Matthew actually goes further by saying the leaders incited the crowd to advocate the destruction of Jesus. The leader knew they could not compete with Jesus, so their only option was to cancel Jesus. You see, our modern “cancel culture” is not really new. It is a favorite method of the enemies of the truth.

Matthew 27:21 (ESV)

21 The governor again said to them, “Which of the two do you want me to release for you?” And they said, “Barabbas.”

Pilate went out to the crowd gathered at his Jerusalem palace to see who they wanted to be released, Jesus or Barabbas. I believe that Pilate truly wanted the crowd to say they wanted Jesus released. After all, Jesus was a righteous man, and as Pilate discovered, there was no law He could be found guilty of.

Matthew 27:22–23 (ESV)

22 Pilate said to them, “Then what shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ?” They all said, “Let him be crucified!” 23 And he said, “Why? What evil has he done?” But they shouted all the more, “Let him be crucified!”

Ok, you want me to release Barabbas, then what do you want me to do with Jesus? The grammar of verse 24 indicates that Pilate was presenting to the crowd definitive statements that Jesus was not guilty of the alleged crimes. What crimes, what evil, has He done?

The response of the crowd was Jesus was to be crucified. The crowd had been woked up to being a mob and only could reply Crucify Him. Pilate had lost control, and the Jewish leaders were firmly in control. The mob mentality had been groomed to heed to the leader's will in crucifying Jesus.

Pilate Delivers Jesus to be Crucified (27:24-26)

Matthew 27:24 (ESV)

24 So when Pilate saw that he was gaining nothing, but rather that a riot was beginning, he took water and washed his hands before the crowd, saying, “I am innocent of this man’s blood; see to it yourselves.”

Not able to persuade the crowd, really the mob, Pilate went over to where he could wash his hands, and in a dramatic fashion, he showed that he was not going to accept responsibility for what was about to happen. Pilate truly was in the trick bag. On one side, he had pressure from his wife and conscience; on the other side, he had pressure from the crowd, which would include Rome for not keeping the riot down. He was in a really difficult position. Bow to political correctness or do the right thing. In the end, he caved to those not telling the truth, turning Jesus, the truth, to be nailed to the cross.

Pilate said he was innocent of this man’s blood; it is all on you!

Matthew 27:25 (ESV)

25 And all the people answered, “His blood be on us and on our children!”

Pilate told the crowd that the blood of Jesus would be on their hands, not his. The mob responded to let His blood be on them and their children. They were claiming full responsibility for it. I find this response fascinating. True, they were operating in a mob mentality. But there is more going on here than mob mentality.

These were the same people that had less than a week before hailed Jesus as the Messiah, sent by God. But in the five days since, Jesus had not delivered Israel from Rome. Jesus had not performed the acts of political and national deleiverance they expected. He came riding in on a donkey, symbolizing He was coming in peace but still as a power to be reckoned with. He completely failed to do what they thought He would do. So, just like the disciples turned away from Him in the garden when He did not fight back, the crowd turned away from Jesus and was willing to be responsible for His death. He failed; He could not possibly be the Messiah, so just kill Him, get rid of Him.

Matthew 27:26 (ESV)

26 Then he released for them Barabbas, and having scourged Jesus, delivered him to be crucified.

So, Pilate ordered Barabbas released and Jesus to be scourged and crucified. Scourging was a horrific form of abuse that Rome had perfected. A stick of about 18 to 24 inches long would have thin long leather straps affixed to the end of the stick. On the end of the leather straps were sharps pieces of metal, glass, bone, and rocks. Perhaps this short clip from the Passion of the Christ will make more of an impact than my words. Play Video.

Jesus had been beat up when arrested. He had been abused along the way. He was mocked and beaten by Jewish guards and Roman guards. Remember Pilate knew He was righteous. He was then scouraged. Every bit of historical evidence, we have tells us that scourging was horrific. It was then that Jesus was walked to Golgatha to be nailed to the cross.

Conclusion

Jesus could have prevented this. He could have extricated Himself from this pain and torture. But He chose to complete the mission. He agonized hours before in the Garden about what was coming. But I contend that as horrific as the physical punishment was, it was minor compared to the spiritual torture that was about to take place.

This entire week Jesus was moving toward the cross. He was moving toward the completion of His mission to provide the Father with a legal and just way to forgive us. No matter the personal cost, to either Jesus of the triune Godhead, Jesus moved towards the conclusion of that mission. He suffered extreme physical pain to redeem us. By His stripes, we are healed. Those stripes come from the end of a Roman scourge. He suffered so you could spend eternity with God in paradise. God called us to come to Him. So everyone in the sound of my voice has a choice to make. Either turn to Jesus and accept the salvation that He earned for you, or reject it. It is a binary choice from our standpoint. Believe or not. That is the choice that everyone must make.

Let’s pray!