Matthew 27:20 But the chief priests and elders persuaded the multitude that they should ask Barabbas, and destroy Jesus. Moral beauty generally admired, etc. None more lovely than "Jesus," and yet He was envied, hated, persecuted, and crucified. I. THE EFFORTS TO DESTROY JESUS (Matthew 2:1-17; Luke 4:28). In the final conspiracy hired Judas, etc. (ch. 28). Though put to death, He rose, etc. Since then, Jews, etc., have laboured to destroy Him. II. WHY HAVE THEY SOUGHT TO DESTROY JESUS? 1. Not on account of the viciousness of His life. 2. Nor His opposition to law and order. 3. Nor the evil tendency of His doctrines. 4. Nor the injury He did by His influence (Matthew 27:4; Luke 23:14; Matthew 27:19).It was — 1. Enmity to the truth. 2. Envy of His goodness. 3. Hatred of His person. 4. Love of wickedness. III. How THEY HAVE FAILED TO DESTROY JESUS. Herod, Jews, Pilate, though they killed Him. He rose, etc. He lived on in His body, the Church. Trace the history of those destructive attempts down to Strauss and Renan, etc. Jesus is Divine, and cannot be destroyed. "He shall live," etc. (Psalm 72:15-18). His titles. The enemies of Jesus shall be destroyed. The nations that will not serve Him shall perish. So individuals. Learn: — 1. The baseness of the human heart to try to destroy Jesus. 2. Our obvious duty and interest to accept and honour Christ. 3. He should have our hearts and lives. (J. Burns, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: But the chief priests and elders persuaded the multitude that they should ask Barabbas, and destroy Jesus. |
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