Jesus is Sentenced to Die

Matthew 27:11–26
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As Jesus enters Pilate’s judgment hall the Jewish leaders accused Him of the following crimes:

1. Guilty of misleading the nation

2.Forbidding the paying of taxes

3.Claiming to be a king

Pilate focused on the third charge when he asked,"Are you the King of the Jews” (v. 11)? Jesus gave him a clear reply: “It is as you say;” but then qualified His answer by explaining that His kingdom was not of this world. However when the other leaders made accusations He was silent (vv. 12-14). Pilate often had prisoners who cowered in his presence, but this one was different, and it unnerved him. Isaiah had predicted that the Messiah would keep silent and this is what Jesus did (Isa. 53:7).

While Pilate was trying to decide what to do with Him, a delegation approached him with a request that he honor the custom of releasing a prisoner at the Passover time (Mark 15:8). Seeing this as an opportunity to compromise he chose Barabbas who was a robber (John 18:40) and a murderer (Mark 15:7) (v. 15). He then let the people choose between Jesus and Barabbas (vv. 16-17). He felt that for sure they would choose to release Jesus but the religious leaders persuaded the crowd to ask for Barabbas and to have Jesus executed. Realizing he was getting nowhere with the crowd, Pilate took water and washed his hands in front of them, trying to show that he was not responsible for this Man’s blood (vv. 18-24). When he turned the responsibility over to the Jews (Matt. 27:24) they readily accepted it and said, “Let His blood be on us and on our children” (vv. 25-26).

Application

To my shame, I can think of times I have been caught up in the enthusiasm of a crowd and done what I would have preferred not to do? I pray that the Lord will help me to not do this again!