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DEATH & RESURRECTION OF JESUS, THE KING
Matthew 27
Pilate Hands Jesus Over to Be Crucified v. 15-26 *part 1*
Now it was the governor's (Pilate) custom at the Feast to release a prisoner chosen by the crowd. At that time they had a notorious prisoner, called Barabbas. So when the crowd had gathered, Pilate asked them, "Which one do you want me to release to you: Barabbas, or Jesus who is called Christ?" For he knew it was out of envy that they had handed Jesus over to him.
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."
But the chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowd to ask for Barabbas and to have Jesus executed.
"Which of the two do you want me to release to you?" asked the governor.
"Barabbas," they answered.
"What shall I do, then, with Jesus who is called Christ?" Pilate asked.
They all answered, "Crucify him!"
"Why? What crime has he committed?" asked Pilate.
But they shouted louder, "Crucify him!"
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!"
All the people answered, "Let his blood be on us and on our children!"
Then he released Barabbas to them. But he had Jesus flogged, and handed him over to be crucified.
Do you remember I was trying to see if Pilate's wife was mentioned in any way in the Bible? Well no one answered me, but it is now confirmed that Pilate's wife sent a message when he was making his decision concerning Jesus. It is always good to have the Word to confirm the True Story!
So, Pilate recognized the obvious plot against Jesus and wanted to let him go, but Pilate was already under pressure from Rome to keep peace in his territory. The last thing he needed was a rebellion over this quiet and seemingly insignificant man. As I read this chapter, I get the feeling that Pilate could sense there was something "special" in or about Jesus, that he was important; but Pilate couldn't determine why. I say this because what really stands out about Pilate, are his words. "Jesus who is called Christ." He says this twice in this chapter; calling out exactly who Jesus is, without even knowing the power and meaning of his words. God is so strategic and purposeful. I love it.
And get this, the notorious prison Barabbas who the crowd ordered to be released, was guilty of the exact crime for which Jesus was falsely accused of. And his name, Barabbas means "son of the father," which is exactly Jesus' position with God.
Lastly, let's move to the end of these verses, with the answer from the crowd: "Let his blood be on us and on our children!" How ironic that the blood this crowd took responsibility (and on their children as well) for shedding (murdering an innocent man); is the exact blood that covers you, me and our children and makes us righteous before God.
Purpose ladies and gents. God doesn't miss one detail! Hallelujah!
"GOD IS ALL UP IN YOUR BUSINESS TOO, TO THE SMALLEST DETAIL. "
-give God the control!
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"The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to preach the Good News to the poor." Isaiah 61:1
Scripture & Prayer from NIV Women's Devotional Bible-Classic Edition. Notes from The Study Application Bible.
www.thegoodnews4yourlife.blogspot.com "Providing you with what you already have access to in the most convenient way. So that we all can continue to grow in wisdom & understanding of God." LT
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