“The People of the Passion” – Barabbas
Sermon Texts
(Matthew 27:15-16) Now at the feast the governor was accustomed to releasing to the multitude one prisoner whom they wished. 16 And at that time they had a notorious prisoner called Barabbas (Mark 15:7) who was chained with his fellow rebels; they had committed murder in the rebellion.
(Matthew 27:17) Therefore, when they had gathered together, Pilate said to them, (John 18:39) “But you have a custom that I should release someone to you at the Passover. Do you therefore want me to release to you the King of the Jews?” (Matthew 27:17-18) “Whom do you want me to release to you? Barabbas, or Jesus who is called Christ?” 18 For he knew that they had handed Him over because of envy.
(Matthew 27:20) But the chief priests and elders persuaded the multitudes that they should ask for Barabbas and destroy Jesus. (John 18:40) Then they all cried again, saying, “Not this Man, but Barabbas!” Now Barabbas was a robber.
(Matthew 27:22-26) Pilate said to them, “What then shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ?” They all said to him, “Let Him be crucified!” 23 Then the governor said, “Why, what evil has He done?” But they cried out all the more, saying, “Let Him be crucified!” 24 When Pilate saw that he could not prevail at all, but rather that a tumult was rising, he took water and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, “I am innocent of the blood of this just Person. You see to it.” 25 And all the people answered and said, “His blood be on us and on our children.” 26 Then he released Barabbas to them; and when he had scourged Jesus, he delivered Him to be crucified.