Jesus Before Pilate Matthew 27:11-26 Study examines the civil trial of Jesus before the Roman governor Pontius Pilate. In this account of Jesus Before Pilate, the religious leaders bring their accusations while Pilate struggles with the decision to judge Him. The scene reveals the political pressure, the influence of the crowd, and Pilate’s repeated attempts to avoid condemning Jesus.
The events surrounding Jesus Before Pilate in Matthew 27:11-26 also reveal a crucial truth that runs throughout the New Testament: natural Israel rejected Jesus as the Christ. Understanding this moment helps explain many passages in Scripture, including Matthew 24 and parts of the book of Revelation.
GOSPEL OF MATTHEW BIBLE STUDY SERIES
This study of Matthew: Matthew 27:11-26 Jesus Before Pilate Audio is part of a verse-by-verse teaching series through the Gospel of Matthew.
Previous: Matthew 26:69-75 – 27:1-10 Peter Denied Jesus Judas Hung Himself
Next: Matthew 27:26-31 Mockery Scourging Of Jesus
Jesus Before Pilate in Matthew 27:11-26
Audio
Scriptures used for Jesus Before Pilate Matthew 27:11-26 Study
- Matthew 27:11, John 12:24, John 19:18, John 18:28-37, Acts 6:10, Acts 17:6, Matthew 27:11-14, Matthew 27:15-18, Matthew 27:19, Matthew 27:21, Matthew 27:24, Isaiah 53:3-4, Isaiah 53:10, Revelation 4:11, Matthew 23:37-39
Introduction to Jesus Before Pilate
In this lesson, Jesus Before Pilate Matthew 27:11-26 Study, we are exploring verses 11 through 26. I will be talking about Pilate and the civil trial of Jesus. Israel rejected Jesus. Say that back to me, Israel rejected Jesus. Without an understanding of that, you will not understand a great deal of Matthew 24 or the book of Revelation or why the nation of Israel came to its conclusion forty years after the death of Christ.
Many things will begin to illuminate once you understand that Israel rejected Jesus. Pilate was like clay in the hand of God. The blood of Jesus was on the heads of Israel and their children, but it was in judgment and not salvation (Matthew 27:25). Which way is the blood of Jesus on our nation? We need to look at that tonight. Is the blood of Jesus on our nation for salvation or for judgment?
Right now, it is for both, but we pray that things change so that we receive the blessings of God and not the judgments of God. We will see today how Pilate tried to release Jesus, but Israel would not. They totally rejected Christ, and that is the important point we must see.
Matthew 27:11 Jesus Before Pilate
I begin with verse 11. Jesus stood before the governor, and the governor asked him, saying, Art thou the King of the Jews?
Matthew 27:11
11 And Jesus stood before the governor: and the governor asked him, saying, Art thou the King of the Jews? And Jesus said unto him, Thou sayest.
Examining the Civil Trial of Jesus Before Pilate
We need to leave Matthew, look at Mark, look at Luke, and look at John to get an overview.
We just can’t stay in the one gospel and get a good picture of this civil trial under Pilate. Neither can we stay under and in the book of Matthew and get a good overview of the crucifixion.
For the next couple of weeks, we will move back and forth through the different gospels and also go to the book of Isaiah. Isaiah saw these events seven hundred years before they happened, and in some ways, he saw them more clearly than the apostle John, who stood at the foot of the cross. These are the things we will be examining during this study.
All four gospels record this account. We will look at it in John 18:29-40 and John 19:1-16, Mark 15:1-20, Luke 23:1-25, and Matthew 27:11-31. This is the material we are working with today, and the events take place early in the morning.
Last week, we saw how the Jews brought Jesus to Pilate. They had to secure their conviction before six in the morning because Jewish law required a full day to pass before executing a man after sentencing. That is why they worked through the night, searching for witnesses and pushing the trial forward before the new Jewish day began.
Once they obtained their conviction, they immediately took Jesus to Pilate. This is where the account continues and where Matthew begins his record of these events.
One of the things that stands out in this study is how many times Pilate tried to avoid judging Jesus.
Why Pilate Tried to Avoid Judging Jesus
At least five times, he attempted to pass the responsibility to someone else, whether to Herod, to the Jews, or by another means. Pilate did not want to judge Jesus and kept searching for a way to escape the decision.
Another reason for his hesitation was the message his wife sent. She warned him to have nothing to do with this righteous man because she had suffered in a dream because of him (Matthew 27:19). When a wife speaks like that, a man should listen.
Pilate had full authority to release Jesus, yet he feared the Jews. At times, he stood strongly against those silly Jews, yet in this moment, he was afraid of their reaction. Not so much afraid of them as he was of Caesar’s wrath for not keeping peace in his assigned region. Even with the authority to release Jesus, he did not do it, fearing the Jews would report him to Caesar.
Why the Outcome of Jesus Before Pilate Was Never in Pilate’s Hands
Later, we will see that the final outcome was never truly in Pilate’s hands. Whether Pilate released Jesus or condemned Him, God’s purpose would still be fulfilled. This was the Father’s plan from the beginning.
Jesus Himself explained the purpose of His coming. He said that unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone, but if it dies, it produces much fruit (John 12:24). That was His purpose. He came to die.
John 12:24
24 Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit.
If Jesus had been released and had not died on the cross, the purpose for which He came would not have been fulfilled. We must understand that it was not the devil, not Pilate, not the Jews, and not the Sanhedrin who crucified Christ. The Father did it. We will see that more clearly again tonight, and we have already looked at it.
Why the Gospel Writers Emphasize the Trials More Than the Crucifixion
I want to look in the Gospel of John because it may offer a clearer account of the trial and crucifixion than Matthew and Mark. Matthew and Mark tend to provide more of an overview than a detailed explanation.
It amazes me that when we study the crucifixion, the gospel writers give many details about the trials. They record the hearings before the Sanhedrin, the accusations of the Jews, Peter’s denials, Judas, and the trial before Pilate. All of these events are described in detail. Yet when they come to the crucifixion itself, they simply say, “and they crucified him” (John 19:18).
No details are given about how the crucifixion happened. The account becomes very brief and almost summary-like. It is as if the Holy Spirit does not want the emphasis to rest mainly on the physical act of the crucifixion, even though it is essential. The focus is not simply that Jesus died, though He did die. The focus is that He rose again, where we are given much detail.
Without the resurrection, the death would have meant nothing. Without the resurrection, the miracles would have meant nothing. The emphasis must be on the resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:14).
John’s Detailed Account of Jesus Before Pilate
The gospel record simply states that they crucified him (John 19:18). John chapter 18 then gives the setting as we begin to examine these events.
John 19:18
18 Where they crucified him, and two other with him, on either side one, and Jesus in the midst.
That’s all John gives us about the crucifixion. However, he gives much detail about Pilate.
John 18:28-37
28 Then led they Jesus from Caiaphas unto the hall of judgment: and it was early; and they themselves went not into the judgment hall, lest they should be defiled; but that they might eat the passover.
29 Pilate then went out unto them, and said, What accusation bring ye against this man?
30 They answered and said unto him, If he were not a malefactor, we would not have delivered him up unto thee.
31 Then said Pilate unto them, Take ye him, and judge him according to your law. The Jews therefore said unto him, It is not lawful for us to put any man to death:
32 That the saying of Jesus might be fulfilled, which he spake, signifying what death he should die.
33 Then Pilate entered into the judgment hall again, and called Jesus, and said unto him, Art thou the King of the Jews?
34 Jesus answered him, Sayest thou this thing of thyself, or did others tell it thee of me?
35 Pilate answered, Am I a Jew? Thine own nation and the chief priests have delivered thee unto me: what hast thou done?
36 Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence.
37 Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice.
Religious Hypocrisy Revealed in the Trial of Jesus
As I read this passage, I am reminded of last week’s teaching about the pieces of silver. The religious leaders used the pieces of silver to pay Judas to betray Jesus. Yet when Judas returned with those same pieces of silver, they suddenly declared them unclean and refused to place them back in the treasury (Matthew 27:3-6).
Their judgment depended entirely on their purpose. Something was acceptable when it served their interests and unacceptable when it did not. That same kind of thinking appears in many areas of religion today. Some people say loud contemporary music cannot be used in church, yet they listen to it freely on the radio. The issue is not the music itself but how people choose to use it.
The same pattern shows up in other areas. Some insist that excitement, clapping, and shouting are wrong in church, yet they do those same things while watching television at home. The situation is like the pieces of silver. Something is approved in one place and rejected in another.
Dancing is treated the same way. People allow their children to go to dances but object to dancing in church, even though David danced before the Lord (2 Samuel 6:14). The issue again becomes how people choose to view it.
This reveals the same religious hypocrisy that existed in the days of Jesus. The leaders were willing to arrange a mock trial and send Jesus to be crucified, yet they refused to enter Pilate’s judgment hall because doing so would make them ceremonially unclean and prevent them from eating the Passover (John 18:28). Motive determines how people judge what is considered clean or unclean.
Pilate Tries to Shift Responsibility
Pilate then came out to them and asked what accusation they brought against this man. They replied that if Jesus were not a criminal, they would not have delivered Him to Pilate. Pilate told them to take Jesus and judge Him according to their own law (John 18:29-31). This was the first time Pilate tried to remove himself from the responsibility of judging Jesus.
The Jews respond that it is not lawful for them to put a man to death. This fulfilled Jesus’ saying about the kind of death He would die (John 18:31-32).
Pilate then enters the judgment hall again and questions Jesus. He asks if Jesus is the King of the Jews. Jesus answers by asking whether Pilate is saying this on his own or whether others told him. Pilate replies that Jesus’ own nation and the chief priests delivered Him and asks what He has done. Jesus answers that His kingdom is not of this world. If His kingdom were of this world, His servants would fight so that He would not be delivered to the Jews. His kingdom is not from here (John 18:33-36).
Pilate then asks if Jesus is a king. Jesus answers that Pilate has said it. Jesus explains that He was born for this purpose and came into the world to bear witness to the truth. Pilate responds by asking what truth is (John 18:37-38). This provides an overview of what we will examine as we move through this section until Jesus is delivered to be crucified.
Accusations Brought Against Jesus Before Pilate
Luke records the accusations the Jews brought against Jesus.
Luke 23:2
2 And they began to accuse him, saying, We found this fellow perverting the nation, and forbidding to give tribute to Caesar, saying that he himself is Christ a King.
The charge that Jesus was perverting the nation depended on how the religious leaders defined right and wrong. To the religious system, Jesus exposed hypocrisy. His teaching stirred them up and turned their system upside down. Because of that, they claimed He was perverting the nation.
They also accused Him of forbidding people to give tribute or taxes to Caesar. That accusation was false because Jesus had already taught to render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar’s and unto God the things that are God’s (Matthew 22:21).
They said that Jesus claimed to be a king, and He did. Yet He also said that His kingdom was not of this world.
Jesus Remains Silent Before Pilate and His Accusers
When all these accusations were brought against Him, Jesus gave no defense. The Jews made every charge they wanted, but He held His peace. Jesus answered never a word to the accusations brought against Him (Matthew 27:14).
Matthew 27:14
14 And he answered him to never a word; insomuch that the governor marvelled greatly.
The charges against Jesus were that He was perverting the nation, forbidding tribute to Caesar, and claiming to be a king. Yet when these accusations were made, Jesus answered nothing and did not defend Himself (Matthew 27:14). The only accusation Jesus responded to was that He was a king.
He would not be crucified for perverting the nation, for forbidding taxes to Caesar, or even for claiming to be a king. The only reason Jesus would be crucified was that He was the Christ, the Son of God. Natural Israel rejected Him for that reason and crucified Him. This is the central point of the section, where Matthew begins his account with Pilate asking whether Jesus is the King of the Jews (Matthew 27:11).
Jesus Explains That His Kingdom Is Not of This World
Jesus also explained that His kingdom was not of this world. The word world is the Greek word cosmos, meaning system, order, or arrangement. If His kingdom were of this world, His servants would fight. Pilate spoke with Jesus about His kingdom and kingship and then returned to the Jews and declared that he found no fault in Him (John 18:38).
Pilate again tried to push the judgment back on the Jews, but they became more militant and incensed the people. Luke records that they said Jesus stirred up the people teaching throughout Judea from Galilee to that place (Luke 23:5). That is exactly what the message of the kingdom of God does. It stirs people up and brings resistance and disputing.
The Word of God Stirs People Up
The message of the kingdom especially stirs religious people. It confronts fixed religious ideas and exposes the traditions people hold. When the truth of the kingdom is shown, it challenges those ideas and produces resistance.
While we are in Luke, we should look at another passage and consider a question.
Luke 19:10
10 For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.
We need to look closely at what Jesus said about His mission. The Son of man came to seek and to save that which was lost, and the verse says that which, not who (Luke 19:10). This changes the way we think about salvation.
Religious teaching often focuses only on saving people and assumes that the earth will be destroyed. Yet the statement shows that Jesus came to restore what was lost. All creation is waiting for the manifestation of the sons of God (Romans 8:19).
At the fall of man, everything was affected, and everything became defiled. Creation was perfect in the beginning, but the fall brought corruption into it (Genesis 1:31; Genesis 3:17). What Jesus came to do was restore what was lost and bring creation back into its proper order.
Why the Word of God Creates Resistance
The word of God stirs people up because it confronts fixed religious thinking. When teaching agrees with what people already believe, there is no problem. When the word challenges those ideas, it creates resistance.
Does the Lord want to save only people, or does He also want to restore what was created? Music was created in its original state as something good and joyful. The same question applies to other things, such as wine and dancing. Religion often condemns these things, yet when they are brought under the lordship of God, they are made right. To the pure all things are pure, and what often defiles them is religious thinking (Titus 1:15).
The word of God stirs people up and brings resistance. In Acts chapter six, the church faced a problem, and the apostles said they could not leave the ministry of prayer and the word to manage daily issues. They appointed deacons to handle those matters so the leaders could give themselves to prayer and the word (Acts 6:1-4).
One of those deacons was a man named Stephen. The word of God increased, and the number of disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem (Acts 6:7). When the word increases, disciples multiply. That requires moving away from religious ideas about how things should be and aligning ourselves with what the word actually says. Even many priests became obedient to the faith (Acts 6:7).
Stephen’s Ministry Stirred Religious Opposition
Resistance often comes from fixed religious thinking. Some ministers hold firmly to traditions they were taught, and when scripture challenges those ideas, it creates tension. Yet the word still stirs people up. Stephen, full of faith and power, performed great wonders and miracles among the people (Acts 6:8).
Opposition quickly arose from members of several synagogues, including those from Cyrene, Alexandria, Cilicia, and Asia. These men disputed with Stephen because of the message he was preaching (Acts 6:9). Notice the next verse.
Acts 6:10
10 And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spake.
Though they wanted to dispute with Stephen, they could not resist his wisdom and authority, which he shared from the word. And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spake (Acts 6:10).
If the message being proclaimed is the word of God, then the argument is not with me but with the Lord, the Spirit, and the word itself. People may resist the person speaking, but they are really resisting the word. When an issue is addressed and preached, some become angry. The anger should not be directed at the messenger but at the word they are resisting.
In Stephen’s case, they stirred up men who claimed to have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses and God. They stirred up the people, the elders, and the scribes, seized him, and brought him before the council. False witnesses accused him of speaking against the holy place and the law (Acts 6:11-13).
The Word of God Confronts and Changes Traditions
They claimed that Stephen said Jesus of Nazareth would destroy that place and change the customs Moses delivered. Yet when the word of God enters our lives, it does exactly that. It confronts strongholds and begins to change customs that have taken root in us (Acts 6:14).
This is why the word of God stirs people up. When truth comes, it challenges what we have accepted and begins to transform our thinking and our practices.
A similar reaction occurred elsewhere. When the message spread, they dragged Jason and certain brethren before the rulers of the city and accused them of turning the world upside down (Acts 17:6).
Acts 17:6
6 And when they found them not, they drew Jason and certain brethren unto the rulers of the city, crying, These that have turned the world upside down are come hither also.
When the word of God comes into our lives, it turns things upside down. We often say that we have trouble talking to people about the kingdom of God because it stirs them up, but that is exactly what it is supposed to do. Jesus went throughout Galilee and even to Jerusalem, stirring people up, and the people themselves said that His teaching stirred them (Luke 23:5).
Preaching the Kingdom of God Will Stir People Up
That is what I want to do. I want to go everywhere, stirring people up with the gospel of the kingdom of God. Sometimes we become afraid to talk about these things because we know people will resist. Yet that resistance can be a confirmation that the word is confronting them. Once people see something clearly in the word, the struggle is no longer with us but with the word itself.
I have seen this happen in practical situations. Doug often shares the things of the kingdom where he works in Ringgold. When he began showing those truths to the people there, it stirred them up so much that they wanted to dispute with him and me about what we were teaching. They wanted to bring in a pastor and sit down together to discuss the issues.
One example involved the teaching about apostles. Some of them questioned whether apostles exist today. My plan was simple. I intended to show them from the Scriptures that there were apostles after Christ’s ascension, not only the original eleven, but also Paul and Matthias. Then I would point to the place where God set apostles in the church and ask them to show where God removed them (1 Corinthians 12:28).
Usually, they cannot do that because the Scripture does not show it. The word of God stirs people up. It challenges us and puts our feet to the fire.
One of the problems in the church today is similar to what happened in the days of the Judges. Every man does what is right in his own eyes (Judges 21:25). Much of the church world has moved in that direction.
A Warning About Comfortable Religion
Sometimes the message becomes little more than asking people to come to church, pay tithes, and increase attendance so that one church appears larger than another. A pleasant message is preached so people feel assured they are saved. Yet no one holds their feet to the fire. Because of this, a generation of children has been lost. The blood of Jesus is on us one way or the other, either for salvation or for judgment.
I simply want to emphasize that the gospel of the kingdom is meant to stir us up. The word of God challenges us and confronts our thinking. It did with Jesus. It did with the apostles, and it does today.
Matthew 27:11-14 Jesus Before Pilate
We’ve covered Matthew 27:11-14 – Jesus before Pilate
Matthew 27:11-14
11 And Jesus stood before the governor: and the governor asked him, saying, Art thou the King of the Jews? And Jesus said unto him, Thou sayest.
12 And when he was accused of the chief priests and elders, he answered nothing.
13 Then said Pilate unto him, Hearest thou not how many things they witness against thee?
14 And he answered him to never a word; insomuch that the governor marvelled greatly.
In Luke’s account of Jesus before Pilate, Pilate learned that Herod was in town and sent Jesus to him. The account is given in Luke 23:6-11. Herod wanted to see a miracle, but Jesus answered him nothing. Though questioned about many things, Jesus remained silent. He was not going to be sentenced for anything except being the Christ. That was the only charge for which He would be crucified (Luke 23:8-11).
Herod and his men placed a gorgeous robe on Jesus and sent Him back to Pilate, finding nothing worthy of death in the accusations made by the Jews.
Pilate Attempts to Release Jesus
When Jesus returned, neither Herod nor Pilate had found Him guilty of the charges that He was perverting the nation, forbidding tribute to Caesar, or claiming authority wrongly (Luke 23:13-16).
Pilate then said he would chastise Jesus and release Him. He had Jesus scourged with the thought of releasing Him afterward. This was the third time Pilate attempted to release Jesus, but it did not work. The Jews cried out even louder and demanded that Barabbas be released instead (Luke 23:18).
Matthew 27:15-18
15 Now at that feast the governor was wont to release unto the people a prisoner, whom they would.
16 And they had then a notable prisoner, called Barabbas.
17 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?
18 For he knew that for envy they had delivered him.
The word “all” is important. At first, the opposition came from the religious leaders, but soon the whole crowd cried out against Jesus.
Israel Chooses Barabbas Instead of Christ
The nation rejected Christ and chose a murderer instead. Rome did not reject Him. Herod did not reject Him. Both attempted to release Him. It was natural Israel that rejected Christ and came under judgment.
They chose a thief and murderer over the Christ. That is the central emphasis of this section.
Matthew 27:19
19 When he was set down on the judgment seat, his wife sent unto him, saying, Have thou nothing to do with that just man: for I have suffered many things this day in a dream because of him.
Pilate’s wife, Claudia, warned him while he sat on the judgment seat. She told him to have nothing to do with that just man, because she had a dream about Him (Matthew 27:19). Pilate tried to avoid condemning Jesus, but he never succeeded.
There was a notable prisoner called Barabbas. The word “notable” means remarkable or famous (Matthew 27:16). National Israel chose that famous criminal instead of Christ. They received the murderer and rejected the Christ.
What Shall We Do With Jesus Who Is Called Christ
Pilate then tried another plan to secure Jesus’ release. At Passover, a prisoner could be released each year (Matthew 27:15). Pilate assumed the people would choose Jesus rather than Barabbas. Instead, they chose Barabbas and rejected Christ. Pilate asked which of the two should be released, and the nation followed their leaders and chose Barabbas (Matthew 27:21).
This shows the influence of leadership. The leaders people follow can lead them into the blessings of God or into a curse. Leadership in the home, the church, the city, the state, and the nation greatly affects whether people walk under blessing or judgment.
Because of this, we must raise up righteous leadership in places of authority. Pilate kept trying to release Jesus, but the Jews refused. The rejection became complete when they chose Barabbas over Christ, and Pilate asked what should be done with Jesus, who is called Christ (Matthew 27:22).
Matthew 27:21 21
The governor answered and said unto them, Whether of the twain will ye that I release unto you? They said, Barabbas.
22 Pilate saith unto them, What shall I do then with Jesus which is called Christ? They all say unto him, Let him be crucified.
23 And the governor said, Why, what evil hath he done? But they cried out the more, saying, Let him be crucified.
What Will a Nation Do With Jesus Christ
This question applies on every level, from the national level down to the individual level. We must ask what our nation will do with Jesus, who is called Christ. If a nation rejects Him as Israel did, then God would be just to judge that nation as well.
If our nation does not change, judgment must come because of God’s word. That is why it should be part of our daily prayer to pray for civil authorities (1 Timothy 2:1-2). The direction leaders take is the direction the nation follows. If leaders move in humanism, the nation moves away from God’s blessings. If leaders are righteous, they move the nation toward God’s covenant promises and blessings.
Pilate Washes His Hands of Jesus’ Blood
Matthew 27:24
24 When Pilate saw that he could prevail nothing, but that rather a tumult was made, he took water, and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, I am innocent of the blood of this just person: see ye to it.
When Pilate saw that he could prevail nothing and that the crowd was becoming more violent, he took water and washed his hands before them. He declared that he was innocent of the blood of that just person (Matthew 27:24). From the beginning of the trial, Pilate tried repeatedly to avoid condemning Jesus. He attempted to shift the responsibility or release Him several times (John 18:33, John 18:31, Luke 23:8-11, Luke 23:13-16, Luke 23:20, Matthew 27:23).
Who Really Crucified Jesus
Pilate did not want to crucify Jesus. Yet he served a purpose much like that of Pharaoh, who was raised up for a specific time in God’s plan (Exodus 9:16; Romans 9:17). In the Gospel accounts, Pilate repeatedly declared that Jesus had done no evil. There was no legal reason to indict Him, convict Him, or sentence Him to death.
Neither Pilate nor Herod found fault in Jesus. The decisive issue was that Israel rejected Him as the Christ. Because of that rejection, they were cut off. God no longer regards Israel above others. Anyone who comes to God must come through the same blood and the same way. Israel was cut off because of unbelief (Romans 11:20). They rejected Jesus as the Christ, and that rejection led to judgment. In AD 70, natural Israel was destroyed after rejecting Him.
I want us to see clearly who crucified Christ. There was no legal reason for His indictment. Pilate tried repeatedly to release Him, but the truth is that Jesus was crucified according to the Father’s purpose. It was not Pilate, Rome, the Sanhedrin, the devil, or Judas who ultimately crucified Him.
We must understand that the reason Jesus was crucified was that natural Israel rejected Him as the Christ. Yet the one who smote Him was the Father. We should not give that power to the devil, to religious people, or to government authorities. The Father carried out His eternal purpose.
Prophecy of Christ’s Suffering in Isaiah 53
Isaiah described this long before it happened.
Isaiah 53:3-4
3 He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not.
4 Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.
Isaiah 53:10
10 Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in his hand.
It was not the Sanhedrin, Pilate, or the devil who ultimately smote Him. Jesus came to die, and His death was part of God’s eternal purpose.
Let’s look at how He was wounded for our transgressions and what His suffering accomplished, including the scourging and the wounds that bring healing (Isaiah 53:5).
The reason that we exist is for the Father’s pleasure. All things were created for His pleasure, and that includes every part of creation (Revelation 4:11).
Revelation 4:11
11 Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.
Israel Rejects Christ and Judgment Comes
Jesus knew natural Israel would reject Him, and judgment would come. He spoke of this earlier when He lamented over Jerusalem.
Matthew 23:37-39
37 O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!
38 Behold, your house is left unto you desolate.
39 For I say unto you, Ye shall not see me henceforth, till ye shall say, Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord.
Because they would not allow Him to gather them, their house was left desolate (Matthew 23:38). That generation rejected Christ and invoked the curse upon themselves. They were called a generation of vipers, and judgment followed.
From AD 33 to AD 70, within one generation, natural Israel came to its end because of the rejection of Christ and the righteous blood shed upon the earth from Abel to Zacharias (Matthew 23:35-36). After centuries of existence, the nation was destroyed. The blood came upon them and upon their children.
Responsibility for the Next Generation
This raises a serious question about responsibility for the next generation. Can a blessing or a curse come upon our children because of the choices we make? The issue is where the blood rests. It can be upon a people for salvation or for judgment.
The same question applies to a nation. A nation must decide whether to release Barabbas or Christ. It must choose between humanism and God’s anointing. Much of that direction is determined by the leaders people follow. The entire rejection of Christ was stirred up by religious leaders who claimed to know the Scriptures and know God. Israel rejected Christ, and because of that rejection, judgment came upon the nation.
Summary Recap of Jesus Before Pilate
The account of Jesus Before Pilate in Matthew 27:11-26 reveals the civil trial of Jesus before the Roman governor. Pilate questioned Jesus and examined the accusations brought by the religious leaders, yet he repeatedly declared that he found no fault in Him. Even though Pilate had the authority to release Him, he feared the political consequences of angering the crowd and the possibility of being reported to Caesar.
During the events of Jesus Before Pilate, the leaders of natural Israel stirred the people to reject Christ and demand the release of Barabbas instead. Though Pilate attempted several times to avoid condemning Jesus, the crowd insisted that He be crucified. This moment shows the nation’s tragic rejection of Christ and the powerful influence of religious leadership over the people.
The story of Jesus Before Pilate also reveals that the crucifixion was not ultimately determined by Rome, the Sanhedrin, or the crowd. According to Scripture, Christ’s suffering and death were part of the Father’s eternal purpose foretold long before in prophecy (Isaiah 53:3-10). Jesus came into the world to fulfill that purpose and to give His life for the redemption of mankind.
Finally, the question raised during Jesus Before Pilate still confronts every generation: What will we do with Jesus, who is called Christ? Nations, leaders, churches, and individuals must all answer that question. The response determines whether the blood of Christ is received for salvation or rejected to judgment.
Key Lessons from Jesus Before Pilate Matthew 27:11-26
The Pressure of Leadership and Public Opinion
The account of Jesus Before Pilate shows the powerful influence that public pressure and leadership can have on decisions. Pilate knew that Jesus had done nothing worthy of death, yet he feared the reaction of the crowd and the political consequences of angering the people. This moment reminds us that leaders often face pressure to follow popular opinion rather than truth. The story of Jesus Before Pilate warns us that decisions made under fear or political pressure can lead to injustice.
The Tragic Rejection of Christ
One of the central lessons from Jesus Before Pilate is that natural Israel rejected Jesus as the Christ. The religious leaders persuaded the crowd to choose Barabbas instead of Jesus, showing how easily people can be influenced by those in authority. This rejection fulfilled prophecy and ultimately led to judgment upon the nation. The passage teaches that rejecting Christ has serious spiritual consequences for both individuals and nations.
God’s Purpose Was Still Being Fulfilled
Although Pilate, the religious leaders, and the crowd all played a role in the events surrounding Jesus Before Pilate, the crucifixion was not outside the plan of God. Scripture shows that Christ’s suffering and death were part of the Father’s eternal purpose foretold long before in prophecy (Isaiah 53:3-10). Even in the midst of injustice and human failure, God was accomplishing His redemptive plan.
Truth Often Confronts Religious Tradition
Another lesson from Jesus Before Pilate is that truth often exposes religious hypocrisy and challenges established traditions. The leaders who condemned Jesus were careful about ceremonial purity, yet they were willing to arrange a false trial and demand the death of an innocent man. This passage reminds us that religion without truth can become blind to its own contradictions.
Every Generation Must Decide What to Do with Christ
The question Pilate asked still echoes today: What shall I do then with Jesus, who is called Christ? The story of Jesus Before Pilate shows that every generation must answer that question. Individuals, churches, and nations must decide whether they will receive Christ or reject Him. The decision determines whether the blood of Jesus is received for salvation or rejected to judgment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jesus Before Pilate
What happened when Jesus stood before Pilate?
The event known as Jesus Before Pilate describes the civil trial of Jesus before the Roman governor Pontius Pilate in Matthew 27:11-26. The religious leaders brought Jesus to Pilate early in the morning and accused Him of perverting the nation, forbidding tribute to Caesar, and claiming to be a king. During Jesus Before Pilate, Pilate questioned Jesus and examined the accusations, but repeatedly declared that he found no fault in Him (John 18:38).
Why did Pilate try to release Jesus?
During Jesus Before Pilate, Pilate recognized that the accusations against Jesus were driven by envy rather than justice (Matthew 27:18). Several times, Pilate attempted to avoid condemning Him, even sending Jesus to Herod and offering to release Him according to the Passover custom. Pilate feared the political consequences of angering the crowd and the possibility of being reported to Caesar, which ultimately influenced his decision.
Why did the people choose Barabbas instead of Jesus?
In the account of Jesus Before Pilate, the religious leaders persuaded the crowd to ask for the release of Barabbas, a notable prisoner, instead of Jesus (Matthew 27:20-21). This moment demonstrates how leadership influences the direction of a nation. Natural Israel rejected Christ and chose a criminal instead, fulfilling the prophetic rejection of the Messiah.
Who was responsible for the crucifixion of Jesus?
The trial of Jesus Before Pilate shows that neither Pilate nor Herod found legal grounds to condemn Jesus. Yet the crowd demanded His crucifixion. Scripture reveals that while human authorities played a role, the suffering of Christ ultimately fulfilled the Father’s eternal purpose foretold in prophecy (Isaiah 53:10). Jesus came into the world to die as the sacrifice for sin.
What is the spiritual lesson from Jesus Before Pilate?
The story of Jesus Before Pilate asks a question that every generation must answer: What will we do with Jesus who is called Christ? Nations, leaders, and individuals must decide whether to receive Christ or reject Him. The response determines whether the blood of Jesus is received for salvation or rejected to judgment.
Continue Studying
Other Related Sermons:
Herod Jesus Gave Him No Answer Luke 23:1-25
Faith Receiving Releasing Fighting Audio
Challenge to Make Great Decisions
Feasts Of Israel Part 2 Jesus Our Passover audio
Also see: