Matthew 27:21 meaning
The trial of Jesus presents a pivotal moment in the New Testament, where the choice between Jesus and Barabbas encapsulates the profound implications of sin and redemption. Pilate, a Roman governor, offers the people a chance to release one prisoner during Passover, hoping they would choose Jesus, whom he recognized as innocent. However, swayed by the chief priests, the crowd makes the shocking decision to free Barabbas, a notorious insurrectionist, while calling for Jesus' crucifixion. This scene illustrates the rejection of divine truth in favor of human desires—a tragic reflection of the fallen nature of humanity.
This choice not only highlights the irony of desiring a criminal's freedom over the Savior's innocence, but it brings forth a powerful theological implication. Barabbas represents the sinful nature of humanity while Jesus embodies the sacrificial atonement God offers through the cross, echoing themes of Ransom and Redemption. In this way, the release of Barabbas can be viewed as a reflection of humanity's choice to embrace sin rather than the salvation offered through Christ. The choice presented to the crowd serves as a sobering reminder of the extent of God's grace amidst our choices.
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 21:23-27 meaning. The chief priests confront Jesus in the temple and interrogate Him about His authority. They publicly ask Him a framing question hoping to entrap Him. Jesus promises to answer their question if they will answer His alternatively framed question about John the Baptist's authority. When they decline to answer His question, Jesus declines to answer theirs.
- 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."
- Matthew 27:31-32 meaning. Jesus is stripped of the mocking robe and dressed again in His own clothes. He is led away to be crucified. After exiting the Praetorium, Simon of Cyrene is pressed into service to carry His cross.
Set to dark modeSet to dark mode