Crucify Him

Matthew 27:15-18, 20-26 (ESV)
 
Now at the feast the governor was accustomed to release for the crowd any one prisoner whom they wanted. And they had then a notorious prisoner called Barabbas. 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?” For he knew that it was out of envy that they had delivered him up.
 
Now the chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowd to ask for Barabbas and destroy Jesus. The governor again said to them, “Which of the two do you want me to release for you?” And they said, “Barabbas.” Pilate said to them, “Then what shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ?” They all said, “Let him be crucified!” And he said, “Why? What evil has he done?” But they shouted all the more, “Let him be crucified!”
 
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; see to it yourselves.” And all the people answered, “His blood be on us and on our children!” Then he released for them Barabbas, and having scourged Jesus, delivered him to be crucified.
 

Reflection
 
The crowd. The same crowd Jesus poured life into is the same crowd shouting for His crucifixion. I can’t help but wonder about the individuals within this crowd. These individuals must be evil, right? Not necessarily. This crowd likely consisted of Jews – God’s chosen people. Some of these individuals spent time with Jesus – listening to His teachings, conversing with Him, and perhaps even being healed by Him.
 
How often do our actions whisper the demand of Jesus’ death?
 
Pilate. Pilate, a Roman government official who wanted nothing to do with Jesus, knew Jesus was innocent. As a matter of fact, just before Pilate handed Jesus over to the crowd, he physically washed his hands, signifying his refusal for further involvement (verse 24). Pilate was in a position to set Jesus free, but he crumbled with moral weakness.
 
How often do we cave into doing wrong, even when we are in a position to do right?
 
The religious leaders. The very people who spent their lives learning about God were the driving force behind the crowd’s demand to crucify Jesus (verse 20). The religious leaders were all more concerned about their outward appearances, authority, and reputations than they were about following Jesus.
 
How often do we find ourselves more concerned with our self-image than following Jesus?
 
The crowd, Pilate, and religious leaders…I think we can find a piece of ourselves in each of these stories.
 
However, it’s Barabbas’ story that defines all of us who follow Jesus. A sinful and guilty man worthy of death is set free through the innocent One made guilty. We are sinful, guilty, and worthy of death, but Jesus took our place. He willingly exchanged His life for ours so that we could be in relationship with God.
 
Because of His grace – this Great Exchange – we, like Barabbas, have been set free.
 
 
Action Steps
 

1. Who do you see yourself most like: the crowd, Pilate, or the religious leaders?
2. Listen to “Thank you, Jesus, for the Blood” by Charity Gayle and meditate on its message.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for being a gracious Father. You saved my life, Lord. Help me to remember Your faithfulness and great love. In Your mighty name, amen.