Matthew 27:22 meaning
The moment captured in this verse is pivotal; it's where Pilate confronts a crucial decision about Jesus amidst mounting pressure from the crowd. This scene illustrates the profound irony of the crowd's choice, as they clamored for the release of Barabbas, a notorious criminal, over an innocent Jesus. Pilate, who recognized Jesus' innocence, found himself desperate to extricate himself from this political quagmire, asking, "What shall I do then with Jesus?" This question reverberates through history, prompting every individual to make their own decision regarding Jesus' identity and role.
The events echo the ancient Day of Atonement rituals, where one goat was sacrificed for sin while the other was released symbolically bearing the community's sins. In this narrative, Jesus embodies the sacrificial goat, condemned unjustly, while Barabbas serves as the scapegoat, paradoxically liberated despite his guilt. This deliberate juxtaposition starkly conveys the redemptive role of Christ: He willingly accepted death for the guilty, highlighting the deep human tendency to reject true righteousness in favor of sinfulness. This moment exemplifies the ongoing struggle between light and darkness, between the Savior and the choices of humanity: “Crucify Him!”.
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 27:23 meaning. The Crowd Wears Pilate Down: As the crowd was shouting "Crucify Him!" Pilate asks them two questions to recall them from their frenzied obsession with killing Jesus. Pilate asks them: "Why He should be crucified? What evil has He done deserving of such a punishment?" The crowds ignore his questions and keep shouting all the more—"Crucify Him!" This event is part of the third phase of Jesus’s Civil Trial. This phase is called: "Pilate’s Judgment."
- Matthew 27:36-38 meaning. The inscription over Jesus’s head cited the official crime for which he was crucified. It read “King of the Jews.” On either side of Jesus were two robbers who were crucified with Him. This was in fulfillment of Messianic prophecy.
- 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."