What can we learn about discernment from the crowd's decision in Matthew 27:20? Setting the Scene “But the chief priests and elders persuaded the crowds to ask for Barabbas and to have Jesus put to death.” (Matthew 27:20) Where Discernment Broke Down • The voices shaping the decision were religious leaders, not strangers. • Emotion rose higher than evidence; Jesus’ innocence was known (v. 23). • Short-term pressure overruled eternal truth. Key Lessons for Godly Discernment • Identify Influencers Before Agreeing ‑ Not every trusted figure speaks for God. Compare Acts 17:11. ‑ Proverbs 14:15: “The simple believe every word, but the prudent consider their steps.” • Test Every Message by Scripture, Not Crowd Size ‑ Isaiah 8:20: “To the law and to the testimony! If they do not speak according to this word, they have no light of dawn.” ‑ 1 John 4:1 calls us to “test the spirits.” • Guard the Heart from Mob Emotion ‑ Exodus 23:2 warns, “You shall not follow a crowd in wrongdoing.” ‑ 1 Corinthians 15:33: “Bad company corrupts good character.” • Seek Divine Wisdom Before Deciding ‑ James 1:5 promises that God “gives generously to all without finding fault.” ‑ Proverbs 3:5-6 links trust in the Lord with straight paths. • Stand Firm Even When Alone ‑ Joseph of Arimathea “had not consented to their decision and deed.” (Luke 23:51) ‑ Hebrews 13:13 urges believers to go “outside the camp,” bearing Christ’s reproach. Practical Habits that Build Discernment 1. Daily, unhurried Bible reading saturates the mind with truth (Psalm 119:105). 2. Prayer invites the Spirit’s guidance (John 16:13). 3. Fellowship with mature believers provides accountability (Hebrews 10:24-25). 4. Remember past consequences of poor choices—both Israel’s and our own (1 Corinthians 10:6). 5. Respond quickly to conviction; delayed obedience dulls spiritual senses (Hebrews 5:14). Final Takeaway The crowd in Matthew 27:20 shows how swiftly discernment collapses when Scripture is sidelined, emotions run high, and popular voices drown out divine truth. Stay anchored in God’s Word, listen for His Spirit, and choose righteousness even if the multitude chooses otherwise. |
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