Matthew 27:21 meaning
The trial of Jesus presents a pivotal moment in the New Testament, where the choice between Jesus and Barabbas encapsulates the profound implications of sin and redemption. Pilate, a Roman governor, offers the people a chance to release one prisoner during Passover, hoping they would choose Jesus, whom he recognized as innocent. However, swayed by the chief priests, the crowd makes the shocking decision to free Barabbas, a notorious insurrectionist, while calling for Jesus' crucifixion. This scene illustrates the rejection of divine truth in favor of human desires—a tragic reflection of the fallen nature of humanity.
This choice not only highlights the irony of desiring a criminal's freedom over the Savior's innocence, but it brings forth a powerful theological implication. Barabbas represents the sinful nature of humanity while Jesus embodies the sacrificial atonement God offers through the cross, echoing themes of Ransom and Redemption. In this way, the release of Barabbas can be viewed as a reflection of humanity's choice to embrace sin rather than the salvation offered through Christ. The choice presented to the crowd serves as a sobering reminder of the extent of God's grace amidst our choices.
This quick synopsis was AI autogenerated utilizing existing TheBibleSays commentaries as the primary source material. To read a related commentary that has been fully developed, see the list below. If there is an issue with this summary please let us know by emailing:[email protected]
Deeper Commentary Covering this Verse:
- Matthew 27:20-22 meaning. The Crowd Chooses Barabbas: The crowd responds to Pilate’s offer to use the governor’s "Passover Pardon" on Jesus by shouting at Him to give them Barabbas instead. Barabbas had been imprisoned for insurrection and murder. Pilate wanted to release Jesus and tries to persuade the crowd again, but they kept on calling out—"Crucify, crucify Him!" This event is part of the third phase of Jesus’s Civil Trial. This phase is called: "Pilate’s Judgment."
Other Relevant Commentaries:
- Matthew 27:24-25 meaning. Pilate Washes His Hands: Pilate’s Sixth Attempt to Release Jesus: Pilate comes to the conclusion that he cannot win and that a riot is about to break out. But he is very troubled about crucifying Jesus, whom he firmly believes to be an innocent Man. He tries to publicly absolve himself of any wrong doing by washing his hands in water and declaring himself to be innocent. For their part, the Jews are quick to reassure the governor that Jesus’s blood will not be on Pilate, but on them and their children. This event is part of the third phase of Jesus’s Civil Trial. This phase is called: "Pilate’s Judgment."
- Matthew 27:17-18 meaning. "The Passover Pardon": Pilate’s Second Attempt to Release Jesus. Pilate offers the crowd a choice as to which prisoner he will customarily release: the notorious prisoner Barabbas or Jesus, called Christ. Matthew points out that Pilate did this because he knew the Jews accused Jesus out of envy. Matthew 27:17-18 begins Matthew’s account of the third phase of Jesus’s Civil Trial. This phase is called: "Pilate’s Judgment."
- Luke 23:18-21 meaning. The Crowd Chooses Barabbas: The crowd responds to Pilate’s offer to use the governor’s "Passover Pardon" on Jesus by shouting at Him to give them Barabbas instead. Barabbas had been imprisoned for insurrection and murder. Pilate wanted to release Jesus and tries to persuade the crowd again, but they kept on calling out—"Crucify, crucify Him!" This event is part of the third phase of Jesus’s Civil Trial. This phase is called: "Pilate’s Judgment."