But the chief priests and elders persuaded the crowds to ask for Barabbas and to have Jesus put to death. But the chief priests and eldersThe chief priests and elders were influential leaders within the Jewish religious hierarchy. The chief priests included the high priest and those who had previously held the position, while the elders were respected leaders within the community. Their authority was significant in Jewish society, and they played a crucial role in maintaining religious and social order. This group was often resistant to Jesus' teachings, which challenged their authority and interpretations of the Law. Their involvement in the events leading to Jesus' crucifixion highlights the tension between Jesus and the established religious order. Mrk 14:43 While Jesus was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve… persuaded the crowds The act of persuasion indicates a deliberate effort by the religious leaders to sway public opinion. This reflects the leaders' fear of losing control and their determination to eliminate Jesus, whom they saw as a threat. The crowd, likely composed of pilgrims in Jerusalem for Passover, may have been easily influenced due to the leaders' authority and the charged atmosphere. This manipulation of the crowd contrasts with Jesus' earlier popularity among the people, as seen in His triumphal entry into Jerusalem. Mrk 15:11 But the chief priests stirred up the crowd… to ask for Barabbas Barabbas was a notorious prisoner, known for insurrection and murder. The choice between Jesus and Barabbas presented a stark contrast: Jesus, the peaceful teacher and healer, versus Barabbas, a violent rebel. The crowd's choice of Barabbas over Jesus symbolizes the rejection of the true Messiah in favor of a worldly figure who represented rebellion against Roman rule. This decision fulfilled the prophecy of the suffering servant, as Jesus was rejected by His own people. Jhn 18:40 “Not this man,” they shouted, “but Barabbas!”…… and to have Jesus put to death. The demand for Jesus' death was the culmination of the religious leaders' plot against Him. This phrase underscores the gravity of the situation and the leaders' success in turning the crowd against Jesus. The call for crucifixion, a Roman method of execution reserved for the worst criminals, highlights the depth of the rejection Jesus faced. This event fulfills numerous Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah's suffering and death, such as Isaiah 53, and serves as a pivotal moment in the narrative of redemption, where Jesus willingly submits to the Father's will for the salvation of humanity. Act 13:28 And though they found no ground for a death sentence… Persons / Places / Events 1. Chief Priests and EldersReligious leaders of the Jewish community who held significant influence over the people. They were instrumental in orchestrating the plot against Jesus. 2. The Crowds The general populace present during the trial of Jesus. They were swayed by the religious leaders to demand the release of Barabbas instead of Jesus. 3. Barabbas A notorious prisoner who was chosen by the crowd to be released instead of Jesus. His name means "son of the father" in Aramaic, which presents a stark contrast to Jesus, the true Son of the Father. 4. Jesus The central figure of the Christian faith, who was unjustly condemned to death despite His innocence. 5. Pilate's Judgment Hall The place where Jesus was tried before Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor, who ultimately succumbed to the crowd's demands. Teaching Points The Power of InfluenceThe chief priests and elders used their influence to sway the crowd. This highlights the responsibility of leaders to guide others toward truth and righteousness. The Danger of Mob Mentality The crowd, easily swayed by the leaders, chose Barabbas over Jesus. This serves as a warning against following the majority without discernment. The Fulfillment of Prophecy Jesus' rejection by His own people fulfills Old Testament prophecies, affirming the divine plan and sovereignty of God. The Choice Between Two Sons The choice between Barabbas ("son of the father") and Jesus, the true Son of God, symbolizes the spiritual choices we face between the ways of the world and the way of Christ. Standing Firm in Truth Despite the pressure from the crowd, Pilate had the opportunity to stand for truth. This challenges us to uphold truth even when it is unpopular. Bible Study Questions 1. How did the chief priests and elders use their influence to sway the crowd, and what does this teach us about the responsibility of leadership?2. In what ways can we guard against being swayed by the majority, as the crowd was in choosing Barabbas over Jesus? 3. How does the choice between Barabbas and Jesus reflect the choices we face in our own spiritual lives? 4. What Old Testament prophecies are fulfilled in the events of Matthew 27:20, and how do they affirm the sovereignty of God? 5. How can we apply the lesson of standing firm in truth, as Pilate failed to do, in our daily lives and decisions? Connections to Other Scriptures Mark 15:11This verse parallels Matthew 27:20, showing the influence of the chief priests in persuading the crowd. Acts 3:14 Peter later addresses the crowd, reminding them of their choice to release a murderer over the "Holy and Righteous One." John 19:15 The crowd's rejection of Jesus is further emphasized as they declare allegiance to Caesar over their Messiah. Isaiah 53:3 This prophecy speaks of the Messiah being despised and rejected by men, which is fulfilled in the events of Matthew 27:20.
People Barabbas, Eli, Elias, Elijah, Israelites, James, Jeremiah, Jeremias, Jeremy, Jesus, Joseph, Joses, Judas, Mary, Pilate, Simon, Zabdi, ZebedeePlaces Arimathea, Cyrene, Field of Blood, Galilee, Golgotha, Jerusalem, Place of the SkullTopics Authority, Barabbas, Barab'bas, Beg, Chief, Crowd, Crowds, Death, Demand, Destroy, Elders, Executed, Got, However, Multitude, Multitudes, Persuade, Persuaded, Priests, Request, Themselves, UrgedDictionary of Bible Themes Matthew 27:20 5345 influence Library The Blind Watchers at the Cross'And sitting down they watched Him there.' --MATT. xxvii. 36. Our thoughts are, rightly, so absorbed by the central Figure in this great chapter that we pass by almost unnoticed the groups round the cross. And yet there are large lessons to be learned from each of them. These rude soldiers, four in number, as we infer from John's Gospel, had no doubt joined with their comrades in the coarse mockery which preceded the sad procession to Calvary; and then they had to do the rough work of the executioners, … Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture The Veil Rent The Sentence which Condemned the Judges The Crucifixion 'See Thou to That!' Taunts Turning to Testimonies The Fourth Word Let Him Deliver Him Now The Rent Veil Lama Sabachthani? Our Lord's Solemn Enquiry The Eloi. Third Stage of Jewish Trial. Jesus Formally Condemned by the Sanhedrin and Led to Pilate. First Stage of the Roman Trial. Jesus Before Pilate for the First Time. Third Stage of the Roman Trial. Pilate Reluctantly Sentences Him to Crucifixion. Remorse and Suicide of Judas. The Crucifixion. The Morning of Good Friday. Crucified, Dead, and Buried. ' Jesus in the Tomb. The vicariousness of Prayer The Fifth Word from the Cross The Love of the Holy Spirit in Us. Lastly; they who Will Not, by the Arguments and Proofs Before Mentioned, Links Matthew 27:20 NIVMatthew 27:20 NLT Matthew 27:20 ESV Matthew 27:20 NASB Matthew 27:20 KJV Matthew 27:20 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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