BIG PICTURE: The Roman governor, Pilate, confronted with the dilemma of condemning an innocent man, wrestled with the question: ‘What shall I do with Jesus?’ This same question echoes through time. How we choose to answer it profoundly connects us to this story.
TEXT: Matthew 27:11-26
KEY VERSE: “What shall I do, then, with Jesus who is called the Messiah?” Pilate asked. – Matthew 27:22
THE CROWD, THE CRIMINAL AND THE GOVERNOR: THREE PERSPECTIVES
THE CROWD
“What shall I do, then, with Jesus who is called the Messiah?” Pilate asked.
They all answered, “Crucify him!”
“Why? What crime has he committed?” asked Pilate.
But they shouted all the louder, “Crucify him!” —Matthew 27:22-23
The crowd’s response revealed the dangers of
All the people answered, “His blood is on us and on our children!” —Matthew 27:26
THE CRIMINAL
But the chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowd to ask for Barabbas and to have Jesus executed. —Matthew 27:20
Barrabas was theone set free.
THE GOVERNOR
But he had Jesus flogged, and handed him over to be crucified. —Matthew 27:26
Pilate struggled with comprise over
THE SAME QUESTION. THE SAME STRUGGLE.
“What shall I do, then, with Jesus who is called the Messiah?” —Matthew 27:22
Don’t let the
Your debt has been
You can’t be
THE BROKEN MADE WHOLE AGAIN
You are not a
For I know that good itself does not dwell in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing. —Romans 7:18-19
Jesus is thefor brokenness. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. —1 John 1:9
NEXT STEPS: What decisions are you facing? How can you accept the wholeness Jesus offers instead of convenient brokenness? Remember: redemption is not just about forgiveness, it includes restoration.