“The governor answered and said unto them, Whether of the twain will ye that I release unto you? They said, Barabbas.” – Matthew 27:21 (KJV)
“So the governor asked again, “Which of these two do you want me to release to you?” The crowd shouted back, “Barabbas!” – Matthew 27:21 (NLT)
“The governor asked, “Which of the two do you want me to release to you?” They replied, “Barabbas!” – Matthew 27:21 (MSG)
What Does Matthew 27:21 Mean?
This verse is one of the powerful moments in the Passion narrative where the crowd is given the choice to release either Barabbas, a criminal, or Jesus, who has been accused of blasphemy. The choice of the crowd is not just a personal decision; it reflects the societal and spiritual turmoil of the time. The Roman governor, Pontius Pilate, presents this opportunity to the people during Passover, a significant time for the Jewish community.
Barabbas was a notorious prisoner known for his violent crimes, which made him an unlikely hero to the crowd. In contrast, Jesus was innocent and had performed countless miracles. The choice presented to the crowd highlights the stark contrast between the righteousness of Jesus and the wickedness of Barabbas. This moment is critical as it emphasizes the deep state of corruption and moral failure among the people who chose to free a criminal over the Savior.
Matthew 27:21 Explanation and Commentary
This verse invites us to reflect on the nature of our choices. Barabbas, representing sin and rebellion, received clemency, while Jesus, representing love and redemption, was condemned to death. When we consider this choice, we cannot help but think about our personal decisions—those moments when we prioritize earthly desires over spiritual truth.
Choosing Barabbas instead of Jesus can be seen as a parallel to how often we might choose temporary satisfaction over eternal significance. The crowd’s decision reminds us that human nature can lean toward what is familiar or appealing, even when it is wrong. This speaks volumes about how society can sometimes favor a path that may lead us away from righteousness.
As we explore these themes, we should recall that there was an opportunity for repentance and change. Jesus offered love and truth even as He faced false accusations. This sets a stark contrast to Barabbas, who embodies rebellion and conflict. The crowd’s decision illustrates the process of making choices that can lead us to life or death. The significance behind this choice is much deeper than a simple vote; it delves into our hearts and the desires we hold.
Context of Matthew 27:21
Matthew 27:21 occurs in the context of Jesus’ trial before Pilate, who struggles with the decision of what to do with Him. The Jewish leaders have brought Jesus before Pilate, accusing Him of claiming to be the King of the Jews. Pilate knows that Jesus is innocent, yet he is in a precarious position politically. The crowd’s call for Barabbas and their rejection of Jesus showcases the dynamics of power, fear, and manipulation that often govern human affairs.
As Pilate seeks to pacify the crowd, he gives them an option to choose who should be released. This moment reveals the tension between justice and the will of the people. Pilate was caught between wanting to keep the peace and doing what he knew to be right. Unfortunately, Pilate’s indecision leads to Jesus’ crucifixion. This scene also illustrates the theme of prophecy fulfillment in the scriptures, as Jesus’ suffering was foretold.
The crowd’s clamoring for Barabbas signifies a poor choice driven by fear and mob mentality. It profoundly captures a moment in history that not only applies to those present at that time but extends into the choices we face daily. Understanding the cultural and political atmosphere helps us appreciate the weight of the decision made that day.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Matthew 27:21
Let’s break this verse down into its key components for a clearer understanding. The phrase “the governor answered” indicates the authority Pilate held at that moment. He approached the situation with a question that required the crowd to engage in the decision-making process. This reflects how choices often demand action on our part.
The essential part of the verse is when Pilate asks, “Which of the two do you want me to release to you?” This offers us a glimpse into how decisions always come with one option leading to life and the other to death—one is viewed as righteous while the other is seen as lawless.
Finally, the crowd’s response, “They said, Barabbas!” showcases the collective decision made without substantial consideration of the consequences. Their choice highlights human tendencies toward sin and rebellion, reflecting how society can often choose the easier path rather than the one that leads to life. This stands as a sobering reminder that our choices are significant and have lasting implications.
Lessons to Learn From Matthew 27:21
The lessons from this verse are rich and numerous. One primary lesson is about the nature of choices. We must remember that each decision we make is influential. We can choose eternal life in Christ rather than temporary pleasures that may lead us away from Him. This passage urges us to choose wisely and reflect on our daily decisions.
Another critical lesson is about the societal pressure that can sway our choices. The crowd that day was moved not by the truth of who Jesus was but by the influence of those around them. We must remain vigilant in our faith and not allow ourselves to be swayed by others. As a community of believers, we can encourage and lift each other up in making godly decisions.
Lastly, there is a profound message of grace and mercy. Even in the disciples’ unfaithfulness, we see that Jesus still reached for humanity with love. When Barabbas was released, it symbolized the freedom that Christ offers. Each of us has been released from the bondage of sin through Jesus when we accept Him. We, therefore, are called to live in that freedom and make choices that honor our Savior.
Final Thoughts
As we reflect on Matthew 27:21, we are reminded of the importance of our choices and their effects on our lives and those around us. It serves as a call to action for us to consider how we are living out our faith in our daily decisions. We may not be standing before a crowd like the people of Jerusalem, but we face choices in our lives that require the same courage and clarity.
Let us choose Jesus, who offers life and hope, rather than the empty promises of sin. Every day gives us a new opportunity to reassess our choices and align ourselves with God’s will. We can write our own story of freedom through Him.
As we consider more throughout this journey, let’s explore other themes in the Bible. For example, we might examine Matthew 11 for insights into the comfort Jesus provides. Let’s continue to reflect on God’s word together and grow in understanding and faith!