Matthew 27:21 - But the governor answered them, “Which of the two do you want me to release to you?” They said, “Barabbas!”
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What does "Matthew 27:21" mean?
This verse is a pivotal moment in the Passion narrative of Jesus in the Gospel of Matthew. Let's break down its meaning:
Context: The verse occurs during Jesus' trial before Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor of Judea. Pilate is aware that the Jewish religious leaders are motivated by envy in bringing Jesus to him (Matthew 27:18). He is trying to find a way to release Jesus, whom he believes is innocent.
Pilate's Strategy: Pilate, as was custom during Passover, offered to release one prisoner to the crowd. He presents the crowd with a choice between two prisoners:
Jesus: The figure the gospels portray as innocent, miraculous, and potentially politically challenging.
Barabbas: A known criminal; Matthew identifies him as a "notorious prisoner" (Matthew 27:16). Other gospels identify him as a robber, insurgent, and murderer.
The Question: "Which of the two do you want me to release to you?" This is Pilate's attempt to let the people decide. He likely believes that the crowd, given the choice, would choose the seemingly less dangerous Jesus.
The Response: "Barabbas!" This is the shocking and tragic turning point. The crowd, incited by the chief priests and elders (Matthew 27:20), chooses to have Barabbas released instead of Jesus.
Meaning and Significance:
Rejection of Jesus: The crowd's choice signifies their rejection of Jesus as the Messiah or King, and their preference for a criminal over him.
Innocent Condemned: It highlights the injustice of Jesus' condemnation. Pilate recognizes his innocence but allows the crowd's decision to prevail.
Irony: There's a stark irony in the situation. Barabbas, a guilty criminal, is set free, while Jesus, the innocent one, is condemned to death.
Responsibility: The verse is often interpreted as pointing to the responsibility of the people, or perhaps, humanity in general, for Jesus' death. It raises questions about the nature of truth, justice, and popular opinion.
Fulfillment of Prophecy: Some Christians see this event as part of God's plan for salvation, fulfilling prophecies about the Messiah's suffering and death.
In essence, Matthew 27:21 is a turning point of the story. It highlights the rejection of Jesus, underscores the injustice of his trial, and places responsibility, at least in part, on the crowd for their choice. It paves the way for the crucifixion, which is central to Christian theology.
Matthew 27:21 - But the governor answered them, “Which of the two do you want me to release to you?” They said, “Barabbas!”
What does "Matthew 27:21" mean?
This verse is a pivotal moment in the Passion narrative of Jesus in the Gospel of Matthew. Let's break down its meaning:
Context: The verse occurs during Jesus' trial before Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor of Judea. Pilate is aware that the Jewish religious leaders are motivated by envy in bringing Jesus to him (Matthew 27:18). He is trying to find a way to release Jesus, whom he believes is innocent.
Pilate's Strategy: Pilate, as was custom during Passover, offered to release one prisoner to the crowd. He presents the crowd with a choice between two prisoners:
Jesus: The figure the gospels portray as innocent, miraculous, and potentially politically challenging.
Barabbas: A known criminal; Matthew identifies him as a "notorious prisoner" (Matthew 27:16). Other gospels identify him as a robber, insurgent, and murderer.
The Question: "Which of the two do you want me to release to you?" This is Pilate's attempt to let the people decide. He likely believes that the crowd, given the choice, would choose the seemingly less dangerous Jesus.
The Response: "Barabbas!" This is the shocking and tragic turning point. The crowd, incited by the chief priests and elders (Matthew 27:20), chooses to have Barabbas released instead of Jesus.
Meaning and Significance:
Rejection of Jesus: The crowd's choice signifies their rejection of Jesus as the Messiah or King, and their preference for a criminal over him.
Innocent Condemned: It highlights the injustice of Jesus' condemnation. Pilate recognizes his innocence but allows the crowd's decision to prevail.
Irony: There's a stark irony in the situation. Barabbas, a guilty criminal, is set free, while Jesus, the innocent one, is condemned to death.
Responsibility: The verse is often interpreted as pointing to the responsibility of the people, or perhaps, humanity in general, for Jesus' death. It raises questions about the nature of truth, justice, and popular opinion.
Fulfillment of Prophecy: Some Christians see this event as part of God's plan for salvation, fulfilling prophecies about the Messiah's suffering and death.
In essence, Matthew 27:21 is a turning point of the story. It highlights the rejection of Jesus, underscores the injustice of his trial, and places responsibility, at least in part, on the crowd for their choice. It paves the way for the crucifixion, which is central to Christian theology.