The Messiah Condemned (Matthew 27:15-26) – Today’s Quite Time
The Messiah Condemned (Matthew 27:15-26) – Today’s Quite Time
The Messiah Condemned
Matthew 27:15-26
Scripture (NIV)
¹⁵ Now it was the governor’s custom at the festival to release a prisoner chosen by the crowd.
¹⁶ At that time they had a well-known prisoner whose name was Jesus Barabbas.
¹⁷ So when the crowd had gathered, Pilate asked them, “Which one do you want me to release to you: Jesus Barabbas, or Jesus who is called the Messiah?”
¹⁸ For he knew it was out of self-interest that they had handed Jesus over to him.
¹⁹ While Pilate was sitting on the judge’s seat, his wife sent him this message: “Don’t have anything to do with that innocent man, for I have suffered a great deal today in a dream because of him.”
²⁰ But the chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowd to ask for Barabbas and to have Jesus executed.
²¹ “Which of the two do you want me to release to you?” asked the governor. “Barabbas,” they answered.
²² “What shall I do, then, with Jesus who is called the Messiah?” Pilate asked. They all answered, “Crucify him!”
²³ “Why? What crime has he committed?” asked Pilate. But they shouted all the louder, “Crucify him!”
²⁴ When Pilate saw that he was getting nowhere, but that instead an uproar was starting, he took water and washed his hands in front of the crowd. “I am innocent of this man’s blood,” he said. “It is your responsibility!”
²⁵ All the people answered, “His blood is on us and on our children!”
²⁶ Then he released Barabbas to them. But he had Jesus flogged, and handed him over to be crucified.
READ: Jesus Paid It All (Matthew 27:35-53) – Today’s Quite Time
Reflection
Sentenced to Death (27:15–23)
Pilate convenes a trial to determine Jesus’ fate. The ruler finds himself in a difficult situation, facing pressure from all sides: the demands of the angry crowd, the urgent request from his wife, and his own conscience that knows Jesus is innocent. He tries to reason with the crowd, but they refuse to relent and insist that Jesus be crucified—even if it means a known criminal is released instead. The entire scene is complete chaos and Pilate’s trial is nothing more than a sham. But even amid this gross display of injustice, God is at work. From the very beginning, He planned to redeem humankind by sending His Son to be condemned for our sins and receive the death penalty we deserved.
What are some examples of injustice you have seen in your own life? How does it feel to know that Jesus allowed Himself to be condemned for your sake?
Cleared and Cleansed (27:24–26)
Seeking to absolve himself of any responsibility over Jesus’ death, Pilate washes his hands in a public display of resignation while the people cry out for Jesus’ blood to be upon them and their children. In this scene we are presented with a vivid, symbolic picture of the gospel. Because we are covered by the blood of Jesus, we are cleared and cleansed of all wrongdoing before God. The guilty verdict has been given to Jesus, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. Now, we stand justified before the throne of judgment, clothed in Jesus’ perfect righteousness. While we were still sinners, we were saved from God’s wrath.
Is there any sin in your life that you have tried to minimize or justify? Take that sin to the cross today and ask Jesus to cleanse your heart.
The Messiah Condemned (Matthew 27:15-26) – Today’s Quite Time
Prayer
Jesus, You are the Lamb of God who takes away my sin. Thank you for paying the penalty and justifying me with the blood You shed on the cross. May I live for Your glory forever! In Your name, amen.
