April 20, 2010
WHO AND How WILL YOU CHOOSE?
Matthew 27:11-31
Jennifer Pellow
Central Truth
For a leader who was supposed to bring justice, Pilate proved to be more concerned about power and popularity than doing justice. He allowed the pressure of the world to dictate how he would lead. Although he ceremoniously washed his hands, he is accountable for the choice he made.
Key Verse | Matthew 27:17
"Whom do you want me to release for you? Barabbas, or Jesus who is called Christ?" (Matthew 27:17)
Matthew 27:11-31
Jesus Before Pilate
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.” 12 But when he was accused by the chief priests and elders, he gave no answer. 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.
The Crowd Chooses Barabbas
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. 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.” 20 Now the chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowd to ask for Barabbas and destroy Jesus. 21 The governor again 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, “Let him be crucified!” 23 And he said, “Why? What evil has he done?” But they shouted all the more, “Let him be crucified!”
Pilate Delivers Jesus to Be Crucified
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; 1 27:24 Some manuscripts this righteous blood, or this righteous man's blood see to it yourselves.” 25 And all the people answered, “His blood be on us and on our children!” 26 Then he released for them Barabbas, and having scourged 2 27:26 A Roman judicial penalty, consisting of a severe beating with a multi-lashed whip containing embedded pieces of bone and metal Jesus, delivered him to be crucified.
Jesus Is Mocked
27 Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the governor's headquarters, 3 27:27 Greek the praetorium and they gathered the whole battalion 4 27:27 Greek cohort; a tenth of a Roman legion, usually about 600 men before him. 28 And they stripped him and put a scarlet robe on him, 29 and twisting together a crown of thorns, they put it on his head and put a reed in his right hand. And kneeling before him, they mocked him, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!” 30 And they spit on him and took the reed and struck him on the head. 31 And when they had mocked him, they stripped him of the robe and put his own clothes on him and led him away to crucify him.
Footnotes
[1] 27:24 Some manuscripts this righteous blood, or this righteous man's blood[2] 27:26 A Roman judicial penalty, consisting of a severe beating with a multi-lashed whip containing embedded pieces of bone and metal
[3] 27:27 Greek the praetorium
[4] 27:27 Greek cohort; a tenth of a Roman legion, usually about 600 men
Dive Deeper | Matthew 27:11-31
This passage can teach us quite a bit from the crowd's point of view, but I was really convicted about Pilate's position in the story. Pilate had a dilemma in choosing among what would bring him power, what was popular with the crowd, and what convictions he had in his heart. He had several opportunities to make the right decision. His conscience told him Jesus was innocent, and Roman law stated an innocent man should not be put to death. And even his wife had a nightmare that caused her to ask him to let Jesus go. Pilate had no good excuse to condemn Jesus, but he was too concerned with those in the crowd and how his decision might impact his position.
In contrast, Jesus chose to surrender the use of His power in keeping with the will of His Father. He didn't need to defend Himself. He actively led with courage and confidence in who He is by boldly submitting to the Father and quietly surrendering His life—all the way to the cross.
How often have I chosen my way to gain the approval of others, success, and positions of leadership? Too often, I humbly admit. Left on my own, I am like Pilate. But through Jesus Christ and because of Jesus Christ, I pray I'm learning to lead like Him. Because of His love, His grace, and His sacrifice, I am compelled to surrender with confidence in a sovereign and good God.
We are faced with choices every day. The most important decision we make every morning is who will I choose? I'm convinced that decision will dictate how I will choose throughout the day. I find when I choose to let the Spirit lead, I experience freedom, intimacy, and confidence.
May we spur one another to choose Christ. To lead like Him. To love like Him.
Discussion Questions
1. How do you react to conflicting pressures from different sources? If you had been in Pilate's shoes, what would you have done?
2. Who in this story best reflects the way you respond to the radical claims of Jesus Christ?
3. Think back to a time when you agonized over a major decision? How did you finally make your decision?
4. When, if ever, have you been caught up in the enthusiasm of a crowd and done what you would have preferred not to do?
5. How can you effectively be your own person?
FAMILY DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. Did Pilate think Jesus was guilty?
2. Why did Pilate turn Jesus over to the crowd's demands? Why do you think he gave in to the crowd?
3. Do you stand up for what is right even when other people are against you?