Matthew 27:22 - Pilate said to them, “What then shall I do to Jesus, who is called Christ?” They all said to him, “Let him be crucified!”
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What does "Matthew 27:22" mean?
This verse, Matthew 27:22, is a pivotal moment in the Passion narrative, highlighting the escalating tension and the crowd's demand for Jesus' crucifixion. Let's break down its meaning:
Context: Pilate, the Roman governor, is trying to avoid condemning Jesus. He has questioned him and found no fault (as per his Roman law perspective). He understands that the Jewish leaders are motivated by envy (Matthew 27:18). Pilate is looking for a way out. He has even offered to release a prisoner of their choosing, expecting they would choose Jesus over a notorious criminal like Barabbas.
"Pilate said to them, 'What then shall I do to Jesus, who is called Christ?'": Pilate's question is a direct appeal to the crowd. He's essentially saying, "If I'm not going to release him as a gesture of goodwill, what punishment should he receive?" By calling Jesus "Christ," Pilate is acknowledging Jesus' claim to be the Messiah, either sarcastically or genuinely curious. He is trying to get the crowd to propose a less severe punishment. He hopes the crowd, presented with the choice, would choose a punishment other than death.
"They all said to him, 'Let him be crucified!'": This is the crucial point. The crowd, likely influenced by the Jewish leaders who had stirred them up, demands the most brutal and humiliating form of execution reserved for the worst criminals and enemies of the Roman state. Crucifixion was a painful, public, and shameful death. The plural "they all" is important because it gives the impression of widespread agreement, adding to the pressure on Pilate. This cry is not necessarily the unanimous opinion of all the people of Jerusalem, but a vocal group that the Gospel narrative highlights.
Meaning and Significance:
Rejection of Jesus: This verse demonstrates the rejection of Jesus by a segment of the Jewish population. Despite his miracles, teachings, and claims, they choose to condemn him.
Pilate's Dilemma: Pilate is caught in a bind. He believes Jesus is innocent but fears the political consequences of defying the crowd and the Jewish leaders, who could accuse him of disloyalty to Caesar and start a riot.
Fulfillment of Prophecy: For Christians, this event is seen as a fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies about the suffering Messiah.
Human Nature: The verse reveals the volatile nature of crowds and the power of manipulation. It also shows the fear and political calculations that can override justice and compassion.
Responsibility: The verse raises the complex issue of responsibility for Jesus' death. Was it the crowd? The Jewish leaders? Pilate? Or ultimately, was it part of God's plan? Different theological perspectives offer various interpretations.
In essence, Matthew 27:22 captures a turning point in the Gospel narrative. It depicts the unjust condemnation of Jesus and sets the stage for the crucifixion, the central event in Christian theology.
Matthew 27:22 - Pilate said to them, “What then shall I do to Jesus, who is called Christ?” They all said to him, “Let him be crucified!”
What does "Matthew 27:22" mean?
This verse, Matthew 27:22, is a pivotal moment in the Passion narrative, highlighting the escalating tension and the crowd's demand for Jesus' crucifixion. Let's break down its meaning:
Context: Pilate, the Roman governor, is trying to avoid condemning Jesus. He has questioned him and found no fault (as per his Roman law perspective). He understands that the Jewish leaders are motivated by envy (Matthew 27:18). Pilate is looking for a way out. He has even offered to release a prisoner of their choosing, expecting they would choose Jesus over a notorious criminal like Barabbas.
"Pilate said to them, 'What then shall I do to Jesus, who is called Christ?'": Pilate's question is a direct appeal to the crowd. He's essentially saying, "If I'm not going to release him as a gesture of goodwill, what punishment should he receive?" By calling Jesus "Christ," Pilate is acknowledging Jesus' claim to be the Messiah, either sarcastically or genuinely curious. He is trying to get the crowd to propose a less severe punishment. He hopes the crowd, presented with the choice, would choose a punishment other than death.
"They all said to him, 'Let him be crucified!'": This is the crucial point. The crowd, likely influenced by the Jewish leaders who had stirred them up, demands the most brutal and humiliating form of execution reserved for the worst criminals and enemies of the Roman state. Crucifixion was a painful, public, and shameful death. The plural "they all" is important because it gives the impression of widespread agreement, adding to the pressure on Pilate. This cry is not necessarily the unanimous opinion of all the people of Jerusalem, but a vocal group that the Gospel narrative highlights.
Meaning and Significance:
Rejection of Jesus: This verse demonstrates the rejection of Jesus by a segment of the Jewish population. Despite his miracles, teachings, and claims, they choose to condemn him.
Pilate's Dilemma: Pilate is caught in a bind. He believes Jesus is innocent but fears the political consequences of defying the crowd and the Jewish leaders, who could accuse him of disloyalty to Caesar and start a riot.
Fulfillment of Prophecy: For Christians, this event is seen as a fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies about the suffering Messiah.
Human Nature: The verse reveals the volatile nature of crowds and the power of manipulation. It also shows the fear and political calculations that can override justice and compassion.
Responsibility: The verse raises the complex issue of responsibility for Jesus' death. Was it the crowd? The Jewish leaders? Pilate? Or ultimately, was it part of God's plan? Different theological perspectives offer various interpretations.
In essence, Matthew 27:22 captures a turning point in the Gospel narrative. It depicts the unjust condemnation of Jesus and sets the stage for the crucifixion, the central event in Christian theology.