Jesus or Barabbas
Jesus on trial.
Before the Sanhedrin (Caiaphas the high priest, the scribes and the elders) Matthew 26:57-66. They accuse Jesus of blasphemy and said He is guilty of death.
Before Pilot the first time. Art thou the king of the Jews? Luke 23:1-7.
Before Herod Antipas. Luke 23:6-12. Jesus mocked but not condemned.
Before Pilate the second time. Luke 23:13-25, Mark 15:1-15. Take ye him and judge him according to your law… I find no fault in him. John 18:28-40.
Pilate’s struggle. Take ye him and judge him according to your law. John 18:31. Art thou a king? John 18:37. What is truth? John 18:38a. I find in him no fault at all. John 18:38b. I am innocent of the blood of this just person. Whom will I release unto you? Barabbas or Jesus? Matthew 27:17.
Remember Pilot’s wife. Pilot’s wife’s message is only in Matthew’s gospel: “Have nothing to do with that just man for I suffered many things this day in a dream because of him.” Matthew 27:19. In Apocryphal books she is named Procula and venerated as a saint by several churches including the Eastern Orthodox Church.
Pilate’s final decision. Pilot washes his hands saying I am innocent of the blood of this just person. Matthew 27:24. Pilot releases Barabbas and delivered Jesus to be crucified. Matthew 27:26.
Below is the message audio.
Posted on Facebook Mar. 23, 2024 & April 17, 2025.