Why did Pilate offer the crowd a choice between Jesus and Barabbas?

Pilate knew Jesus was innocent and that the religious leaders had handed him over out of envy, not real justice. There was a Passover custom where the governor released one prisoner chosen by the people. Pilate seems to use this custom to try to free Jesus without directly opposing the leaders. He picks Barabbas on purpose, because Barabbas is a well-known criminal, guilty of serious crimes. Pilate expects the crowd will be ashamed to free a robber and murderer instead of Jesus. In doing this, Pilate actually declares Jesus’ innocence, even though he later gives in to the crowd.

Who was Barabbas, and why is his release important in this passage?

Barabbas is called a “notable” prisoner, not because he is respected, but because his crimes are well known. Other passages describe him as involved in rebellion and murder. In this scene, he stands as the clear guilty man, while Jesus is clearly innocent. The people ask for Barabbas to be set free and for Jesus to be killed. This sharp contrast shows how twisted the crowd has become and how far the leaders have led them. It also pictures the innocent taking the place of the guilty, with Jesus going to the cross while a criminal walks free.

What is the meaning of Pilate’s wife’s dream about “that just man”?

Pilate’s wife sends an urgent message while he is on the judgment seat, telling him to have nothing to do with “that just man” because she has suffered much in a dream because of him. Her dream is more than an ordinary worry. It shows that God is making Jesus’ innocence clear, even through someone outside the Jewish leaders and outside the group accusing him. Pilate is already uneasy, and this message increases his fear and hesitation. God is using this dream as another witness that Jesus does not deserve death. Yet, even with this warning, Pilate still chooses to hand Jesus over.

How did the chief priests and elders persuade the crowd to choose Barabbas?

The passage says the chief priests and elders persuaded the multitude to ask for Barabbas and destroy Jesus. The people are not acting on careful judgment; they are being led. These leaders had already decided they wanted Jesus dead, and now they work to stir up the crowd against him. The people go along with their rulers instead of thinking about justice or about Jesus’ character. This shows how easily a crowd can be turned when hearts are already careless about truth. It also shows that many in the crowd were not personally full of hatred at first, but allowed others to pull them into sin.

Why does the crowd shout, “Let him be crucified,” even when Pilate questions Jesus’ guilt?

When Pilate asks what he should do with Jesus, the crowd answers, “Let him be crucified.” Pilate then asks, “Why, what evil hath he done?” showing that he sees no real charge. Instead of answering, the crowd only shouts louder, “Let him be crucified.” Their cry is not based on evidence but on stirred-up anger and blind rejection. The leaders’ influence, fear of losing their place, and a desire to please others have all combined. This shows how human hearts can harden against what is good, to the point that they demand the harshest punishment for the One who has done no wrong.

What does this passage teach about the innocence of Jesus and human sin?

Everything in this scene points to Jesus being innocent. Pilate knows he was handed over out of envy. Pilate’s wife calls him “that just man” after a troubling dream. Pilate cannot name any evil Jesus has done. Yet the crowd still chooses a known criminal and demands Jesus’ death. This shows both sides: Jesus as the righteous one, and people as willing to choose what is evil when they follow envy, fear, or pressure. It reminds us that sin can twist judgment so badly that the purest person who ever lived is treated worse than a robber, and yet in this, God is working out his saving plan.

How does the choice of Barabbas instead of Jesus picture the innocent dying for the guilty?

Barabbas is guilty and deserves punishment, yet he is set free. Jesus is innocent yet goes on toward crucifixion. The people, pushed by their leaders, prefer the criminal to the one called Christ. This is not only tragic but also a picture of what Jesus’ death means. He is treated as worse than a robber so that those who are truly guilty can be forgiven. In Barabbas walking free while Jesus is condemned, we see a small picture of the greater exchange at the cross, where the sinless one suffers in the place of sinners so they can go free.

How can this passage help believers face injustice or pressure from others?

This passage shows Jesus enduring open injustice without sinning. He is silent in the face of false charges, trusting his Father’s plan. Pilate’s desire to please the crowd shows how weak human justice can be. Believers can see that even when people treat them unfairly, God is not absent. He can still work out his purposes, as he did through the cross. At the same time, this passage warns us not to drift with the crowd or let others’ opinions rule us. Instead, we should hold to what is right, even when it is costly, remembering that our Lord was wronged far more for our sake.

Why was there a custom of releasing a prisoner at the feast, and how is it viewed here?

The governor had a custom at the feast of releasing one prisoner chosen by the people. This seems to have been a Roman practice meant to please the crowd. It was not commanded by God. In this story, the custom is used in a twisted way. Instead of showing mercy wisely, it becomes a way to free a dangerous criminal and condemn an innocent man. The passage hints that such a custom is not a good way to honor God, since it sets aside proper justice. It reminds us that religious festivals or traditions do not please God if they lead to injustice and sin.

Matt.27.15

Matthew 27:15

Q: What does Pilate’s question, “What shall I do then with Jesus which is called Christ?” mean for readers today?

Pilate’s question shows his struggle. He knows Jesus is innocent, but he also fears the crowd and the leaders. He wants to satisfy everyone and still feel clean himself, which is impossible. In the end, he gives in and hands Jesus over. His words, however, press a question on every person: “What will you do with Jesus?” We cannot stay neutral. Either we follow the crowd and push him aside, or we receive him as the true King and Savior. Pilate’s failure warns us not to let fear of people or love of comfort decide our answer.

KJV

Now at that feast the governor was wont to release unto the people a prisoner, whom they would.

The Crowd Chooses Barabbas

15 Now at that feast the governor was wont to release unto the people a prisoner, whom they would.

And they had then a notable prisoner, called Barabbas.

Therefore when they were gathered together, Pilate said unto them, Whom will ye that I release unto you? Barabbas, or Jesus which is called Christ?

For he knew that for envy they had delivered him.

When he was set down on the judgment seat, his wife sent unto him, saying, Have thou nothing to do with that just man: for I have suffered many things this day in a dream because of him.

But the chief priests and elders persuaded the multitude that they should ask Barabbas, and destroy Jesus.

The governor answered and said unto them, Whether of the twain will ye that I release unto you? They said, Barabbas.

Pilate saith unto them, What shall I do then with Jesus which is called Christ? They all say unto him, Let him be crucified.

And the governor said, Why, what evil hath he done? But they cried out the more, saying, Let him be crucified.

Cross References

No cross references available for this verse.