Matthew 27:15–26 discusses the moment when Jesus was handed to Pilate.
In a moment fueled by fear and influence, the crowd chose Barabbas over Jesus—a scene where Jesus was handed over to Pilate echoes into our own culture today.
Matthew 27:15–26 (NASB 2020)
15 Now at the Passover Feast the governor was accustomed to release for the people any one prisoner whom they wanted. 16 And at that time they were holding a notorious prisoner called Barabbas. 17 So when the people gathered together, 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 because of envy that they had handed Him over. 19 And while he was sitting on the judgment seat, his wife sent him a message, saying, “See that you have nothing to do with that righteous Man; for last night I suffered greatly in a dream because of Him.” 20 But the chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowds to ask for Barabbas, and to put Jesus to death. 21 And the governor 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, “Crucify Him!” 23 But he said, “Why, what evil has He done?” Yet they kept shouting all the more, saying, “Crucify Him!” 24 Now when Pilate saw that he was accomplishing nothing, but rather that a riot was starting, he took water and washed his hands in front of the crowd, saying, “I am innocent of this Man’s blood; you yourselves shall see.” 25 And all the people replied, “His blood shall be on us and on our children!” 26 Then he released Barabbas for them; but after having Jesus flogged, he handed Him over to be crucified.
Who Was Involved?
- Jesus, the innocent One, rejected
- Pilate, the Roman governor, was trying to shift the blame after Jesus was handed over to him.
- Barabbas, the criminal set free
- The crowd, swayed by religious leaders
- Chief priests and elders, manipulating for power
- Pilate’s wife, disturbed by a dream
- Us today, who often must choose between truth and pressure
What Happened?
- Pilate offered to release Jesus or Barabbas. However, Jesus was first handed over to Pilate, underscoring the gravity of the situation.
- The crowd, stirred up by religious leaders, chose Barabbas
- Pilate hesitated but ultimately caved
- Jesus was flogged and handed over for crucifixion
- Pilate tried to absolve himself publicly
The Mood: Politically Tense and Morally Cowardly
- Pilate is conflicted and passive
- The crowd is emotional and misled
- Jesus remains silent and dignified
The Principle: When Culture Chooses Barabbas
- Popular opinion isn’t always right
- Fear-based decisions lead to injustice
- Sometimes, standing for truth means standing alone
- Influence is a tool—use it for righteousness, not control
Audience Response (Then)
- Pilate responded with passivity
- The crowd shouted for crucifixion
- The priests manipulated the people
- Barabbas walked free
- Jesus took the punishment without defense
What This Means for Us in 2025
- The crowd still chooses wrongly today
- We’re tempted to wash our hands instead of speaking up
- God’s justice prevails, even when people reject it
- We must anchor ourselves in truth, not trends
Action Steps for Today
- Speak up when truth is silenced. Don’t let fear make your decisions
- Avoid the crowd mentality. Question what drives public opinion
- Stand with Jesus, not the popular choice. Even when it’s unpopular
- Pray for discernment. Like Pilate’s wife, listen to spiritual warnings
- Use your influence well. Influence others toward righteousness
Final Prayer
Jesus, when the world chooses comfort over truth, give me the courage to stand with You. Help me recognize manipulation and resist compromise. Keep me anchored in righteousness, even when it’s costly. Amen.
Justice delayed is not justice denied. Jesus’ surrender brought eternal victory.
