The Great Exchange

Matthew 27:15–26 CSB

15 At the festival the governor’s custom was to release to the crowd a prisoner they wanted. 16 At that time they had a notorious prisoner called Barabbas. 17 So when they had gathered together, Pilate said to them, “Who is it you want me to release for you—Barabbas, or Jesus who is called Christ?” 18 For he knew it was because of envy that they had handed him over. 19 While he was sitting on the judge’s bench, his wife sent word to him, “Have nothing to do with that righteous man, for today I’ve suffered terribly in a dream because of him.” 20 The chief priests and the elders, however, persuaded the crowds to ask for Barabbas and to execute Jesus. 21 The governor asked them, “Which of the two do you want me to release for you?” “Barabbas!” they answered. 22 Pilate asked them, “What should I do then with Jesus, who is called Christ?” They all answered, “Crucify him!” 23 Then he said, “Why? What has he done wrong?” But they kept shouting all the more, “Crucify him!” 24 When Pilate saw that he was getting nowhere, but that a riot was starting instead, he took some water, washed his hands in front of the crowd, and said, “I am innocent of this man’s blood. See to it yourselves!” 25 All the people answered, “His blood be on us and on our children!” 26 Then he released Barabbas to them and, after having Jesus flogged, handed him over to be crucified.

Intro:

Explain the sequence of Narrative:

The Garden

The Trial

The Jews seek the permission of Pilate

Pilate tries to offload the problem to Herod

Herod passes it back to Pilate

Transition Statement: Pilate has a problem on his hands and has been thrusted into a situation that changed history.

I. Pilate’s Dilemma

Matthew 27:15–19 CSB

15 At the festival the governor’s custom was to release to the crowd a prisoner they wanted. 16 At that time they had a notorious prisoner called Barabbas. 17 So when they had gathered together, Pilate said to them, “Who is it you want me to release for you—Barabbas, or Jesus who is called Christ?” 18 For he knew it was because of envy that they had handed him over. 19 While he was sitting on the judge’s bench, his wife sent word to him, “Have nothing to do with that righteous man, for today I’ve suffered terribly in a dream because of him.”

Who is Pilate?

History of Pilate:

Pilate was installed as the Procurator/Praefectus in Judea. Procurator means ruler and Praefectus carries the idea of Military commander. As Rome extended its rule over the major regions of the world and small towns they would send a Roman Representative called Procurator’s to rule on behalf of the Roman Government.

Their job responsibility was to collect taxes and maintain order.

As an occupier Rome was not interested in converting these regions to Greek/Roman paganism. It was to Rome’s best interest to let these nations continue to worship their own God, and continue their own cultural distinctions. Rome keep things status quo as this made collecting taxes a seamless activity. Rome was concerned about taxes not conversion.

Pilate was installed in 26ad by the Roman Caesar Tiberius. Immediately upon entering the Holy City he came through with the Roman Caesar insignia on all of the flags implying his expectation that the children of Israel would worship the Roman Caesar Tiberius. He also had three coins minted with three different Roman Gods on them. These acts by Pilate caused an uproar in Israel and it caused major problems for Pilate back in Rome. Rome was not interested in fighting small wars all over the kingdom for stupid reason. Pilate was on thin ice in Rome and he knew it.

Setting

Jesus has been up all night with the religious leaders who tried to get witnesses to lie on him, and get him to admit to things he did not do. When they finally got him to admit he was “The Son of God” that was enough according to them to commit Jesus over to Pilate to get him to authorize Jesus execution. This is where are our story picks up. Pilate talked with Jesus to assess his guilt and determined that Jesus was intriguing but he was a harmless man who was no threat to the Rome or the Children of Isreal.

Matthew 27:15–19 CSB

15 At the festival the governor’s custom was to release to the crowd a prisoner they wanted. 16 At that time they had a notorious prisoner called Barabbas. 17 So when they had gathered together, Pilate said to them, “Who is it you want me to release for you—Barabbas, or Jesus who is called Christ?” 18 For he knew it was because of envy that they had handed him over. 19 While he was sitting on the judge’s bench, his wife sent word to him, “Have nothing to do with that righteous man, for today I’ve suffered terribly in a dream because of him.”

(EXE-v.15) “ 15 At the festival the governor’s custom was to release to the crowd a prisoner they wanted.”

Matthew tells us about a custom whereby once a year one prisoner could escape punishment and be render not guilty. Scholar’s contend that Rome used this act of benevolence to create a more harmonious relationship between them and the oppressed nation. Interestingly Rome coincided the release of one prisoner during the Passover Festival. Most likely out of respect for the Jewish calendar.

John’s version gives us a little more data about this request:

John 18:39 CSB

39 You have a custom that I release one prisoner to you at the Passover. So, do you want me to release to you the king of the Jews?”

(v.39) Pilate reminds the Jews of this yearly custom at Passover whereby a guilty individual is set free. So he suggest that in the case of Jesus to placate/satisfy the Jews desire to execute Jesus.

Matthew 27:15–19 CSB

15 At the festival the governor’s custom was to release to the crowd a prisoner they wanted. 16 At that time they had a notorious prisoner called Barabbas. 17 So when they had gathered together, Pilate said to them, “Who is it you want me to release for you—Barabbas, or Jesus who is called Christ?” 18 For he knew it was because of envy that they had handed him over. 19 While he was sitting on the judge’s bench, his wife sent word to him, “Have nothing to do with that righteous man, for today I’ve suffered terribly in a dream because of him.”

(EXE-v.16-17) 16 At that time they had a notorious prisoner called Barabbas. 17 So when they had gathered together, Pilate said to them, “Who is it you want me to release for you—Barabbas, or Jesus who is called Christ?”

Pilate offers to do a prisoner exchange. Life for life hoping this would calm the Jews down and distract them from killing this innocent man. He offers up a man named Barrabus

(EXE-v.18) “18 For he knew it was because of envy that they had handed him over.”

This sentence is not a part of the narrative/story Matthew is telling. Matthew inserts his interpretation into the narrative. He tells us Pilate knew the Religious leaders were mad because Jesus was taking their members. This is why he went and picked the worse Prisoner he had in Jail, Barrabus hoping this would calm them down. Yet this only served to get them more riled up.

(EXE-v.19-20) 19 While he was sitting on the judge’s bench, his wife sent word to him, “Have nothing to do with that righteous man, for today I’ve suffered terribly in a dream because of him.” 20 The chief priests and the elders, however, persuaded the crowds to ask for Barabbas and to execute Jesus. 21 The governor asked them, “Which of the two do you want me to release for you?” “Barabbas!” they answered.

Pilate has a major dilemma on his hands. His wife came to him in (v.19) and specifically told him. Leave this man alone he is innocent. Pilate already knew he was innocent and now his wife confirmed that via supernatural dream. Pilate is pagan. His wife’s dream suggested that the Gods have spoken.

(v.20) Pilate asked them again. “Who do you want between Barrabus and Jesus the Christ?” and the bloodthirsty crowd said it again “We want Barrabus!”

What is Pilate’s dilemma?

Rome-Pilate must not allow this issue to blow up into full fledge uprising. At this time the city of Jerusalem is filled with worshippers from all over the region celebrating passover. If he loses control of the region. His life will be over when Rome calls him from his position.

The Religious Leaders-Pilate must keep the Religious leaders happy because at this point they have the allegiance of the people. Only they are requesting that he execute and innocent man. Usually this would not be a hard decision for him but there was something different about this Man.

Barrabus Problem-Pilate took a major gamble when he offered them Barrabus. He thought when faced with the choice of Barrabus or Jesus the people would surely pick Jesus, but they picked Barrabus. Already guilty of murder.

Wife’s Dream-If he executes this innocent man. He will make himself an enemy of the Greek/Roman Pantheon of Gods

Pilate is in a catch 22: If he frees Jesus his conscience is clear, but it would most likely cause an uprising which would cost him his life. If he executes Jesus he will irritate the Gods

This lead him to do this:

Matthew 27:24–25 CSB

24 When Pilate saw that he was getting nowhere, but that a riot was starting instead, he took some water, washed his hands in front of the crowd, and said, “I am innocent of this man’s blood. See to it yourselves!” 25 All the people answered, “His blood be on us and on our children!”

Transition Statement: Pilate introduces a character in the story who is only mentioned once in the gospel narratives. Let’s take a look at him

II. Who is Barrabus

Matthew 27:16–17 CSB

16 At that time they had a notorious prisoner called Barabbas. 17 So when they had gathered together, Pilate said to them, “Who is it you want me to release for you—Barabbas, or Jesus who is called Christ?”

Matthew 27:20–21 CSB

20 The chief priests and the elders, however, persuaded the crowds to ask for Barabbas and to execute Jesus. 21 The governor asked them, “Which of the two do you want me to release for you?” “Barabbas!” they answered.

(EXE-v.16) “16 At that time they had a notorious prisoner called Barabbas” Matthew tells us Barrabus is a “notorious prisoner” Barrabus was well know. Barrabus was like Robinhood. He may have had a price on his head because of his activities in the Jerusalem. Let’s take a look at the other gospels for more nuggets using the synthesis method of hermeneutics

Mark 15:7 CSB

7 There was one named Barabbas, who was in prison with rebels who had committed murder during the rebellion.

(v.7) Mark tells us the reason Barrabus was locked up. He was in prison with some “Rebels” who murder someone in the midst of committing crimes

Rebels-means Insurrectionist. An insurrectionist is one who rises up against the ruling class or government. Mark simply tells us Barrabus was with them.

What does Luke tell us?

Luke 23:19 CSB

19 (He had been thrown into prison for a rebellion that had taken place in the city, and for murder.)

(v.19) Luke tells us not only was Barrabus rolling with the Rebels. He was the one who pulled the trigger. Barrabus was the ringleader of this group of Rebels.

What does John tell us?

John 18:40 CSB

40 They shouted back, “Not this man, but Barabbas!” Now Barabbas was a revolutionary.

(v.40) John calls Barrabus a revolutionary. You will notice the NASB & NKJV have robber.

Revolutionary(lestes)-a robber or plunder. This is the same greek word used to describe the thieves on the cross. This has left many scholars to conclude the two thieves on the cross were apart of the rebellion Barrabus lead. Now lets put everything together we know about Barrabus.

Barrabus was the leader of a rebellious mob of zealots who were plundering rich Jewish people benefiting from their relationship with Rome. Like the tax collectors; who were Jewish people who made money for Rome by over-taxing their own people.

Barrabus would have had a love/hate relationship with the people. In one way they would have loved him for trying to disrupt the taxation system of Rome by seeking to cause riots, but ultimately this method only made it harder for everyday people because Rome would squeeze the whole nation for the sins of one.

Barrabus’s was a man-centered(human instrument) method of Salvation for the nation of Israel.

There is something else very interesting about this character Barrabus:

Barrabus is not his name it is a description of him. In the earliest most reliable copies of the book of Matthew his whole name is in the manuscript. His name is “Hesou Barraba” or Yeshua Barraba, which translates into Jesus Barrabus.

Reason for omission-Most scholar’s surmise during the late 3rd century translator’s omitted the name because they did not want Jesus name associated with Barrabus, but there is a reason for it.

Hesou Barrabus name means: Yeshua- one who saves or delivers; barrabus- means son of the father. Let’s put it together: Son of the father who saves or delivers. This is a human savior who saves with human methods.

He was seeking to liberate Israel from Rome the way People wanted Jesus to do, and that’s through Warfare.

Transition Statement: Lets take a look at the other choice Pilate gave

III. Who is Christ

Matthew 27:17–19 CSB

17 So when they had gathered together, Pilate said to them, “Who is it you want me to release for you—Barabbas, or Jesus who is called Christ?” 18 For he knew it was because of envy that they had handed him over. 19 While he was sitting on the judge’s bench, his wife sent word to him, “Have nothing to do with that righteous man, for today I’ve suffered terribly in a dream because of him.”

what can we learn about “The Christ” from these narratives?

(v.19) “Have nothing to do with that “righteous man” for today I’ve suffered terribly in a dream because of him. Pilate’s wife gave him final warning about what was about to take place. Her sleep was troubled about Jesus. She got word from the Supernatural World that this Jesus was a righteous man.

Matthew tells us “He was a righteous man” What does Mark tell us:

Mark 15:12–14 CSB

12 Pilate asked them again, “Then what do you want me to do with the one you call the king of the Jews?” 13 Again they shouted, “Crucify him!” 14 Pilate said to them, “Why? What has he done wrong?” But they shouted all the more, “Crucify him!”

Mark tells us he is a King over a Nation. He is King of the Jews

Mark also stresses from the words of Pilate: “what has he done wrong!” Calling yourself “The Son of God” ain’t wrong if its True.

Let’s take a look at Luke

Luke 23:13–15 CSB

13 Pilate called together the chief priests, the leaders, and the people, 14 and said to them, “You have brought me this man as one who misleads the people. But in fact, after examining him in your presence, I have found no grounds to charge this man with those things you accuse him of. 15 Neither has Herod, because he sent him back to us. Clearly, he has done nothing to deserve death.

Luke tells us from the mouth of Pilate: He was a “good shepherd” Luke tells us Jesus as a leader never did anything deceitful or dishonest. He preached only truth.

Summary: The Synoptic Gospels report about “The Christ”

He was a man who lived a life of righteousness who preached and lead the people in integrity. His righteousness was attested to by more than just the natural world. Even the supernatural world spoke and said leave him alone he is righteous.

John does not speak directly to Jesus character but he does give us a little bit of information about the Jewish attitude towards the one we call Jesus the Christ!!

Conclusion

John 18:40 CSB

40 They shouted back, “Not this man, but Barabbas!” Now Barabbas was a revolutionary.

(v.40) Notice the Religious Leaders and the people refuse to use his name. In the Ancient world names give an insight to the character of the person.

They refuse to call his First name “Jesus”-One who saves and his title “Christ”-the anointed one. This was a mild rebuke to Pilate notice Matthew 27:17

Matthew 27:17 CSB

17 So when they had gathered together, Pilate said to them, “Who is it you want me to release for you—Barabbas, or Jesus who is called Christ?”

(EXE-v.17) It is very telling that Pilate refers to Jesus by his title “The Christ” Pilate would not have known Jesus at all. He keep using it to embarrass the Jews and mocked them because their King/messiah was dress like carpenter and there was no army preventing him from being captured.

The Jews hated his name because in his name was also his purpose, which they rejected.

The Gospel Writer’s understood the power of the name:

John 1:1 CSB

1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

He is called the word-The full embodiment of the thoughts of God

John 1:9 CSB

9 The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world.

He is called the true light-One who gives light to the whole world

Luke 19:10 CSB

10 For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save the lost.”

Luke calls him ‘The Son of Man” he is the seed of a woman who came to destroy the works of the Devil, as a man

John 1:18 CSB

18 No one has ever seen God. The one and only Son, who is himself God and is at the Father’s side—he has revealed him.

he is called the One and only Son. For in him the whole Godhead dwells in bodily form

John 1:29 CSB

29 The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!

John the Baptist calls him “The Lamb of God” because he would slaughtered to pay for the sins of the world

Matthew 1:23 CSB

23 See, the virgin will become pregnant and give birth to a son, and they will name him Immanuel, which is translated “God is with us.”

Matthew reports that one of his names is “Immanuel” which translate “God is with us” no longer leading us by pillars of fire, and clouds. No longer in the Holies of holy in the temple, but dwelling among the people in human flesh

Pilate asks a question? Who do you want Hesou Barraba or Hesou Christos?

The people chose a human savior and rejected the Supernatural Savior.

Jesus was detained while Barrabus was released

Jesus paid a debt while Barrrabus walk for free

Jesus the innocent took on the sins of not just Barrabus but also the crowd “who put a curse on themselves “let his blood be on us” Barrabus walked away was an innocent man.

What Jesus did for Barrabus and the Children of Israel he was also done for you

Earlier we answered who is Barrabus?

We are Barrabus!!!!!

Like Barrabus we are Rebel’s for we Rebelled against God

Like Barrabus we were on Death Row

Like Barrabus we lived a life trying to save ourselves using Human Methods.

The Exchange

Like Barrabus we need a Supernatural Savior to Pay for our Rebellion

Like Barrabus we need a Person willing to take on our sentence of Death

Like Barrabus we need someone to “Exchange Himself of Us!!!

Matthew 27:26 CSB

26 Then he released Barabbas to them and, after having Jesus flogged, handed him over to be crucified.

Barrabus released but our Lord Detained!!!!

Open the Doors of the church

Pilate asked a question to the Jewish nation that I want to pose to you today: Who do you choose Jesus Barrabus or Jesus the Christ?

Do you choose a human method of salvation: Self, Government or religion.

Do you choose the only legitimate method of Salvation: The Great Exchange

2 Corinthians 5:21 CSB

21 He made the one who did not know sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.