How does Matthew 27:17 illustrate the concept of justice versus injustice? Setting the Scene: Pilate’s Dilemma Matthew 27:17 — “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 Christ?’” Defining Justice and Injustice • Justice: The righteous, equitable application of God’s standards (Psalm 89:14). • Injustice: The perversion or denial of those standards (Proverbs 17:15). Two Men, Two Reputations • Barabbas – A notorious rebel and murderer (Mark 15:7; Luke 23:19). – Deserved punishment under both Roman law and divine law (Genesis 9:6). • Jesus – Sinless, perfectly obedient Son of God (1 Peter 2:22). – His mission: to save, heal, and set captives free (Isaiah 61:1; Luke 4:18). The Crowd’s Choice: A Picture of Injustice • Justice demanded Barabbas face his lawful sentence. • Justice affirmed Jesus’ innocence (Pilate repeatedly declares it—Luke 23:4, 14, 22). • The crowd, stirred by religious leaders (Matthew 27:20), flips justice on its head: – They free the guilty. – They condemn the innocent. • Proverbs 17:15 captures the outrage: “Acquitting the guilty and condemning the righteous—both are detestable to the LORD.” Divine Justice Still Prevails • At the cross, God used human injustice to fulfill His plan of ultimate justice. • Isaiah 53:5 — “He was pierced for our transgressions… the punishment that brought us peace was on Him.” • 1 Peter 3:18 — “For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God.” Practical Takeaways for Today • Guard your own judgments: refuse to be swayed by popular opinion against clear truth (Exodus 23:2). • Remember that apparent victories of injustice are temporary; God’s justice will ultimately triumph (Romans 12:19). • Rejoice that Jesus willingly bore our injustice so we could receive mercy (2 Corinthians 5:21). |
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