April 9, 2025
Pastor John Hering
Matthew 27:11-26
Matthew 27:11-26
11 When Jesus stood in the presence of the governor, the governor asked him, “Are you the King of the Jews?”
Jesus said to him, “It is as you say.”
12 When he was accused by the chief priests and elders, he answered nothing. 13 Then Pilate said to him, “Don’t you hear how many things they are testifying against you?”
14 But he did not answer him—not even one word, so that the governor was very surprised.
15 At the time of the Festival the governor had a custom to release to the crowd any one prisoner they wanted. 16 At that time they were holding a notorious prisoner named Barabbas. 17 So when they were assembled, Pilate said to them, “Which one do you want me to release to you? Barabbas—or Jesus, who is called Christ?” 18 For Pilate knew that they had handed Jesus over to him because of envy.
19 While he was sitting on the judgment seat, Pilate’s wife sent him a message. “Have nothing to do with that righteous man,” she said, “since I have suffered many things today in a dream because of him.” 20 But the chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowd to ask for Barabbas and to have Jesus put to death. 21 The governor asked them, “Which of the two do you want me to release to you?”
“Barabbas!” they said.
22 Pilate said to them, “Then what should I do with Jesus, who is called Christ?”
They all said to him, “Crucify him!”
23 But the governor said, “Why? What has he done wrong?”
But they kept shouting even louder: “Crucify him!”
24 When Pilate saw that he was accomplishing nothing and that instead it was turning into a riot, he took water, washed his hands in front of the crowd, and said, “I am innocent of this righteous man’s blood. It is your responsibility.”
25 And all the people answered, “Let his blood be on us and on our children!”
26 Then he released Barabbas to them, but he had Jesus flogged and handed him over to be crucified.
27 Then the governor’s soldiers took Jesus into the Praetorium and gathered the whole cohort of soldiers around him. 28 They stripped him and put a scarlet robe on him. 29 They twisted together a crown of thorns and put it on his head. They put a staff in his right hand, knelt in front of him, and mocked him by saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!” 30 They spit on him, took the staff, and hit him repeatedly on his head.
31 After they had mocked him, they took off the robe and put his own clothes on him. Then they led him away to crucify him.
This is our last Midweek Lent Meditation. One might be tempted to zoom past this service and get to the “good stuff”—the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ. However, none of the gospel writers zoom through the hard stuff but slow down at these moments where Scriptures say it has to be this way, but that doesn’t mean it feels good. For us who are longing for the glory that is just ahead, we need the strength for today to get through the tough stuff. So we are Pondering Jesus’ Passion and watch the disciples betray Jesus, God’s enemies arrest him, religious leaders abuse him and wicked Satan is running at 100 mph! But, slow down with the purpose of smothering all of your life with Jesus’ love. Today we join Jesus before Pilate. Matthew’s account before Pilate would make an interesting service of seven words since Pilate speaks seven times. The first six are questions and the last is a statement. Maybe that means we are in the courtroom of a good interrogator who really examines each case to get to the bottom of it all before making the verdict. At the end of this court scene I pray the Holy Spirit will impress upon us all that Jesus is our perfect Savior as
Pilate Declares Jesus’ Innocence
That Turns Up The Pressure Cooker of Injustice
In court the judge controls the room. However, not so in this case. The governor tries so hard to declare Jesus not guilty and even as he washes his hands of the innocent blood of Jesus. But, not so fast! Take Pilate’s first question for instance:
“11 When Jesus stood in the presence of the governor, the governor asked him, “Are you the King of the Jews?”
Right away we know two things. First, this is the million dollar question. Second, Pilate is asking this question for all the wrong reasons. Pilate wants this trial to be over quickly because Matthew records,
“18 For Pilate knew that they had handed Jesus over to him because of envy.”
And not because Jesus was a threat to Rome. If Jesus says, “You’re right. I’m not a king leading a rebellion against Rome,” then this case is over. May I suggest that Pilate’s question was inspired by God? If Pilate wanted this case to end quickly he should have said, “Are you leading a rebellion against Rome?” But he said, “Are you the King of the Jews?” We realize that the word, “King” has an earthly meaning and a heavenly meaning. We know Jesus is the “King” because he is God’s “Anointed One” to save people from their sins. But, that’s not what Pilate is thinking. He wants this trial and the crowds to be settled quickly. But, he can’t avoid Jesus’ answer: “Jesus said to him, “It is as you say.” It’s the perfect answer for us, but not for Pilate’s question that turned up the pressure cooker on high!
Imagine if someone asked you if you were a Christian, and you said, “Yes, I am.” But, do they really know what you mean? Do they understand for you this means,
“21 Yes, for me to live is Christ, and to die is gain”
Philippians 1:21
How God delights in you and captures your heart over and over with his Word as you look to express your thankfulness in Christian living. When they see you are they convinced in your inexpressible joy and what all it means to belong to Christ? Oh, that it was so obvious in our lives! We repent for failing to live up to our confession of faith, and turn to Christ who answered the million dollar question perfectly even though it turned up the pressure on his life.
Pilate is forced to continue the trial:
“12 When he was accused by the chief priests and elders, he answered nothing.”
Pilate must take these charges against Rome seriously to see if Jesus is a dangerous threat. But, he also knows these charges are lies. As the crowds are shouting Pilate is baffled and may have wondered if something was wrong with Jesus’ ears! We hear Pilate’s second question:
“13 Then Pilate said to him, “Don’t you hear how many things they are testifying against you? 14 But he did not answer him—not even one word, so that the governor was very surprised.”
The pressure cooker just got turn up another notch. Pilate isn’t getting any help from Jesus to set him free. It’s almost as if this “King” doesn’t want to stop the charges! And that’s the point. The problem wasn’t with Jesus’ ears! The problem was with the ears of the people shouting! Jesus was “not afraid those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul” (Matt 10:28). Jesus feared, loved and trusted in One who could “the one who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.” Jesus’ silence comes from love for his Father and love for you. Jesus didn’t want anything to get in the way of being condemned so that he might win the kingdom of God for you! Pilate was working to Declare Jesus’ Innocence but the Pressure Cooker of our Salvation was turned up full blast!
That Blows Up the Power of Sin, Death and the Devil
The door to Jesus’ mad accusers was left wide open. But, before anyone walks through that door, slow down! The full fury of wickedness is let loose. And Pilate has some more questions to ask. He’s even got a trick up his sleeve! Pilate’s third question:
“15 At the time of the Festival the governor had a custom to release to the crowd any one prisoner they wanted. 16 At that time they were holding a notorious prisoner named Barabbas. 17 So when they were assembled, Pilate said to them, “Which one do you want me to release to you? Barabbas—or Jesus, who is called Christ?” 18 For Pilate knew that they had handed Jesus over to him because of envy.”
Pilate appealed to the crowd to have some common sense. (Did I just hear you giggle?) “It’s a no brainer for a civil society to choose gentle Jesus over barbaric Barabbas! Right? Surely they will choose Barabbas and let Jesus go.” And Pilate doesn’t have to give the horrible verdict.
But wait. While Pilate is waiting for the crowd to make up their minds an urgent message arrives from one person in this account Pilate trusts—his wife!
“19 While he was sitting on the judgment seat, Pilate’s wife sent him a message. “Have nothing to do with that righteous man,” she said, “since I have suffered many things today in a dream because of him.”
She calls on Pilate to do the right thing with this “righteous man.” She is sharp and crystal clear! Don’t do it! And where did she get his information? A dream! And where do dreams come from in the Bible? Did something larger than life just happen in the context of this King of the Jews? Of course! Pilate was sure he was on the right path to Declare Jesus’ Innocence and end this trial. These people will NEVER choose Barabbas!
Pilate speaks the fourth question:
“21 The governor asked them, “Which of the two do you want me to release to you?”
And he is shocked by their answer! ““Barabbas!” they said.” And we know why they answered this way. Wicked envy, sin, and Satan himself was working at full strength! “20 But the chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowd to ask for Barabbas and to have Jesus put to death.” The Devil, sinful world and sinful flesh hit a new all time low. How could people with a conscience do such a thing? How can people set their hearts on such evil? Well, you tell me how that’s possible? How many times have you chosen your Barabbas over Christ? Was it the idol of lust, or sinful pleasures, or abuse of substances like drugs and alcohol? Was it choosing the Barabbas of potty mouth words instead of using God’s name to thank and praise God? Was it choosing the Barabbas of materialism, sports or family over gathering in God’s house to have your souls fed with God’s Word and sacrament? We all need a King to save our soul! We all need Jesus!
Pilate speaks the fifth question:
“22 Pilate said to them, “Then what should I do with Jesus, who is called Christ?”
You knew a long time ago what their answer would be. Jesus himself had prophesied how he would die. They didn’t yell, “Off with his head!” or “Feed him to the lions!” or “Lock him up for good!” They shouted in unison to fulfill the words of Scripture, “Crucify him!”
Pilates 6th and final question:
“23 But the governor said, “Why? What has he done wrong?” But they kept shouting even louder: “Crucify him!”
Amazing that we get this far in the trial without this question being answered. Actually Pilate answers this question himself. So does the crowd. Nothing! Jesus Is Innocent! But, you know how it goes. Shout long enough and loud enough and threaten a riot and no one has to deal with the truth. “Why?”
For us this is the precious treasure! We all know what it’s like to live with the dirt of sin. We all know what it’s like to experience death among our family and friends. We all know what it’s like to have Satan tempt us day in and day out. We all have a criminal record in God’s courtroom! But, here Pilate and the crowd could care less and shout a death sentence at Innocent Jesus. Jesus knows the “Why” and by the grace of God, so do you! Jesus knows he is taking on the curse of sin, the power of death and the devil on himself to the cross to save the world! Innocent Jesus takes our blame upon himself. He faces Pilate and the crowd and says, “Give me the punishment I came for.”
The court closes fast as Pilate makes his 7th word a statement:
“24 When Pilate saw that he was accomplishing nothing and that instead it was turning into a riot, he took water, washed his hands in front of the crowd, and said, “I am innocent of this righteous man’s blood. It is your responsibility.” 25 And all the people answered, “Let his blood be on us and on our children!” 26 Then he released Barabbas to them, but he had Jesus flogged and handed him over to be crucified.”
Pilate speaks from the judge’s seat and sounds and looks authoritative, but he’s completely unqualified and unjust. In spite of knowing the truth he falls into the devil’s trap and works hard to make his action look justified. The crowd calls for Jesus’ blood to cover them, not for the forgiveness of their sins, but as a joke. If they only had known how we love the blood of Jesus that covers our sins And Blows Up the Curse of Sin and the Power of Death and the Devil!
Listen to the end of this account to see how the guilty treat the innocent—how Pilate and his soldiers treat Jesus.
“27 Then the governor’s soldiers took Jesus into the Praetorium and gathered the whole cohort of soldiers around him. 28 They stripped him and put a scarlet robe on him. 29 They twisted together a crown of thorns and put it on his head. They put a staff in his right hand, knelt in front of him, and mocked him by saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!” 30 They spit on him, took the staff, and hit him repeatedly on his head. 31 After they had mocked him, they took off the robe and put his own clothes on him. Then they led him away to crucify him.”
What more can I say? Pilate Declared Jesus Innocent but Treats him as Guilty. Unknowingly Pilate pictures for us God’s Great Exchange—Jesus takes on our guilt and gives us the holiness we need for eternal life!
During our Wednesdays in Lent we have slowed down to Ponder Jesus’ Passion. We cannot just wash our hands and move on from the unjust scene before us. Rather I pray that our time together has increased realization that the Pressure Cooker of your sins caused this unjust trial. I pray that you look through the eyes of faith and have a greater appreciation for the innocent blood of Jesus that paid the curse of sin and destroyed the power of death and the devil. I pray you are ready for the next step—Holy Week—where we know it takes us: “Then they led him away to crucify him.” Amen.
