“Therefore when they were gathered together, Pilate said unto them, Whom will ye that I release unto you? Barabbas, or Jesus which is called Christ?”– Matthew 27:17 (KJV)
“As the crowd gathered before Pilate’s house that morning, he asked them, ‘Which one do you want me to release to you: Barabbas, or Jesus who is called the Messiah?'”– Matthew 27:17 (NLT)
“At the time of Passover, the governor was accustomed to releasing a prisoner to the people, anyone they wanted. At that time, they had a notorious prisoner named Barabbas.”– Matthew 27:17 (MSG)
What Does Matthew 27:17 Mean?
Matthew 27:17 captures a critical moment in the story of Jesus’ trial before Pilate. Here, Pilate stands before the crowd and presents them with a choice. They can choose to have Barabbas, a prisoner known for his crimes, released, or they can choose Jesus, who has been wrongfully accused. This verse illustrates the tension of the moment and sets up the dramatic events that follow. Pilate’s question represents a significant turning point; it is a moment laden with choice and consequences.
This choice does not just reflect the historical situation facing these people but resonates with us today. We often find ourselves standing at a crossroads where we must make decisions about whom we follow, what we stand for, and how we respond to societal pressures. The innocence of Jesus stands in stark contrast to Barabbas, reflecting moral clarity amidst moral confusion.
Matthew 27:17 Explanation and Commentary
In this verse, we see Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor, attempting to extricate himself from the tremendous pressure he faces. He faces an angry mob demanding the crucifixion of Jesus. Pilate likely knows that Jesus is innocent, and so he seeks a way out of this dilemma. The tradition of releasing a prisoner during Passover provides him with that opportunity. By putting Barabbas and Jesus side by side, Pilate hopes that the crowd will choose to save Jesus, thereby alleviating his guilt.
Barabbas is described as a notorious prisoner, a man celebrated by the people for his rebellious actions or infamous deeds. On the other side, we have Jesus, who only sought to heal, teach, and bring hope. The irony here is hard to miss. Here we have two individuals presented to the public: one a criminal by all accounts, the other a teacher of love and grace. The crowd must make a choice, and the choice they make speaks volumes about human nature.
This episode in scripture holds a mirror to humanity. It showcases how often we are drawn to chaos and conflict, rather than to peace and righteousness. It’s easy for us to look back and criticize the crowd for their choice, but we must remember that we also face choices daily that reflect our values. How often do we choose what is easy over what is right?
Jesus being condemned while Barabbas, the actual criminal, is freed highlights the theme of substitution — a central tenet of the Christian faith. Just as Barabbas gets to live while Jesus dies in his place, we are reminded of how Christ took our guilt upon Himself, offering us a chance at redemption. This notion of substitution is echoed throughout scripture in many instances.
Context of Matthew 27:17
This scene takes place during Passion Week, specifically on the day of Jesus’ trial. The context surrounding Matthew 27:17 is crucial for understanding its significance. Just prior to this moment, we read about the events of Jesus’ arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane, His trial before the Sanhedrin, and then His trial before Pilate. Throughout these events, there is a stark contrast between the innocence of Jesus and the ambition of the leaders who seek His death.
As we look at the preceding chapters, we observe that the religious leaders have already conspired against Jesus, seeking a way to eliminate Him. They have become increasingly agitated by His teachings, which challenge their authority. They are willing to resort to any means necessary to ensure Jesus is silenced, even if it means using Pilate’s authority to secure a crucifixion.
Considering the cultural and historical backdrop helps provide clarity. The Jewish people were under Roman rule and faced oppression from both the Roman authorities and their own leaders. Their desire for a Savior was palpable, intensified by years of waiting for a messiah. Ironically, when faced with the Messiah, they choose to reject Him in favor of a criminal.
This crowd in front of Pilate embodies the struggle between good and evil. Their choice serves both as a fulfillment of prophecy and as a representation of a world that often rejects what is right in favor of what is popular or expedient. In many ways, this choice encapsulates the struggles we see today, where people follow trends rather than truth.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Matthew 27:17
When we dissect Matthew 27:17 more closely, we uncover layers rich with meaning. First, we note the act of gathering. The gathering represents the collective voice of the people, which can often outweigh individual reason. Pilate’s question is an attempt to tap into the crowd’s sentiments. But, like today, a mob mentality can lead to choices driven by fear, anger, or popular opinion rather than truth and righteousness.
We also witness the choice presented: Barabbas or Jesus. Barabbas symbolizes the choices we make based on worldly standards—releasing a known rebel over a healer who performed miracles. Jesus has come to fulfill the law and offer love, yet the crowd opts for rebellion and chaos. This moment presents a challenge for us. We too are regularly faced with choices between what is right and what seems more appealing or easy.
Examining the names, we learn that Barabbas means “son of the father,” and Jesus is referred to as the “Son of God.” This irony can’t be overlooked. Pilate offers a choice between two sons, one leading to life and the other to destruction. It serves as a powerful reminder to us about who we choose to follow in our spiritual lives. Do we choose the path that leads to life everlasting, or do we allow ourselves to be swayed by the chaos of our environment?
This scene also marks a significant intersection of human history and divine providence. The choice to free Barabbas was not an accident; it was part of God’s sovereign plan for redemption. As we reflect on this, we cannot help but marvel at how God can use even our poor choices for His good. Even when humanity turns away from Him, He is still at work bringing forth His promises.
Lessons to Learn From Matthew 27:17
The narrative of Matthew 27:17 teaches profoundly impactful lessons relevant to us today. One of the key takeaways is the importance of making our choices wisely. Just as the crowd chose Barabbas over Jesus, we too must choose daily whom we will follow. Will we pursue our desires, or will we turn to Jesus in faith? This lesson is not only for individual decision-making but also for collective choices in our communities and societies.
This verse prompts us to reflect on the idea of mob mentality, which can often skew our judgment. We can challenge ourselves to rise above public opinion and seek God’s truth. In a society swayed by trends and popularity, standing firm in our faith can sometimes feel like a lonely endeavor. However, God calls us to be distinct, to follow Him even if that means going against the grain.
Another lesson is the call to recognize our need for redemption. Barabbas, although a criminal, needed the same grace that we all need. Each of us has sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. Like Barabbas, we find ourselves in need of salvation, and we are given the chance to be freed from the weight of our sin through Jesus’ sacrifice. This gives us an opportunity to embrace grace, knowing that Jesus purchased our freedom.
Finally, this verse invites us to acknowledge the historical significance of Jesus’ choice to go to the cross. His willingness to endure suffering serves as the ultimate act of love. Our faith is anchored in His sacrifice. We must remember the cost of our freedom and respond with gratitude and devotion. In moments when we feel lost, we can look back at this scene and find hope in the truth that Jesus has already paid the ultimate price for our lives.
Final Thoughts
Matthew 27:17 presents a rich tapestry of themes, choices, and implications. As we reflect on this passage, it prompts us to examine our hearts, our values, and the decisions we make daily. The stark contrast between Barabbas and Jesus serves as a guiding light in our faith, reminding us that we have a choice to make—one that echoes through eternity.
As we move forward, let us commit to making choices that reflect our love for Christ and our understanding of His sacrifice. Let’s choose to follow Jesus despite the noise around us. Just as the crowd faced a choice, we too face moments daily where we can choose faith over fear, hope over despair, and love over hatred. By recognizing the gravity of our choices, we can better align ourselves with God’s plans for our lives.
We encourage you to explore more about the transformative stories in the Bible. For instance, you might find our discussions in Matthew 11 enlightening as they explore themes of doubt and reassurance. Each passage holds rich opportunities for learning and growing in faith!