The Priesthood and the People Choose Barabbas over Jesus

Now at that feast the governor was wont to release unto the people a prisoner, whom they would. And they had then a notable prisoner, called Barabbas. Therefore when they were gathered together, Pilate said unto them, Whom will ye that I release unto you? Barabbas, or Jesus which is called Christ? For he knew that for envy they had delivered him. When he was set down on the judgment seat, his wife sent unto him, saying, Have thou nothing to do with that just man: for I have suffered many things this day in a dream because of him. But the chief priests and elders persuaded the multitude that they should ask Barabbas, and destroy Jesus. The governor answered and said unto them, Whether of the twain will ye that I release unto you? They said, Barabbas. Pilate saith unto them, What shall I do then with Jesus which is called Christ? They all say unto him, Let him be crucified. And the governor said, Why, what evil hath he done? But they cried out the more, saying, Let him be crucified. When Pilate saw that he could prevail nothing, but that rather a tumult was made, he took water, and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, I am innocent of the blood of this just person: see ye to it. Then answered all the people, and said, His blood be on us, and on our children. Then released he Barabbas unto them: Matthew 27:15-26

Steps: 4, 5, 6

In this part of the story the Priesthood persuades the people to vote for Barabbas a robber and a person who claimed to be the Messiah. The people chose someone who thought and acted like they did in their hearts. Pilate thought that Jesus was innocent but was not willing to get into an uproar with the people so he was willing to sacrifice an innocent man to satisfy the mob. Pilate asked the people to make their final decision and they decided to choose the robber over the Messiah. Then Pilate declared that he was innocent of this man’s blood. Then the people proclaimed a terrible curse to be upon themselves – they said to God that they were willing to have this man’s blood be on them and on their children. They were willing to have the guilt of killing an innocent man, and the God of their Fathers, to be upon them as a nation. This curse has had its impact on them as a nation ever since.

Prayer for Today: God, forgive us for if we had been there we would have probably chosen a criminal to be our Messiah as well, and rejected You. Help us today to choose You because You are a righteous God. Thank You again for your mercies in forgiving us and being willing to start again with us. Thank You for Your love.