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Matthew 27: "THE Son of THE Father"

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Rome adopted a “hands-off” approach to foreign policy, but Palestine, under Roman control during Jesus’ time, was a “ticking time-bomb.” Sound familiar to our day? Conflict was inevitable. The Jews hated being under the thumb of the Romans; the Romans hated getting involved with Jewish religious fanaticism. One of Pontius Pilate’s main objectives was to keep balance and control in such a volatile region. Pilate, though, knew that he was on the “hot seat.” The Passover Feast was in full swing and hundreds of thousands made their pilgrimage to Jerusalem. So, instead of staying at his royal palace in Caesarea along the Mediterranean Sea, he remained in Jerusalem. Governor Pilate served both as Roman leader and judge. As judge, he had the responsibility to convict guilty criminals (sometimes to execution if not a Roman citizen) and acquit innocent defendants. Pilate said to Jesus, “Don’t you realize I have power either to free you or to crucify you” (Jn 19:10)? But there was a difference between his responsibility and his authority. His authority was largely based on the consent of those he governed-much like the governmental leaders of today who confirm their positions of command based on their constituency. It seemed important for Pilate to judge fairly-he realized Jesus’ innocence (Mt 27:23). But it also seemed important for him to cater to his constituency. Perhaps Pilate realized he could only push the Jews so far; maybe he didn’t want rioting or rebellion on his watch. So, Pilate tried to pass the buck. He wished to evade responsibility. Therefore, he offered the people a choice between Jesus and Barabbas, meaning “son of the father” (Mt 27:15-17).

What a startling choice that Governor Pilate presented to the people. Should I release to you “The” Son of “The” Father or the Son of the Father? Should I release the preacher or the patriot? The rabbi or the revolutionary? The one who loves his enemies or the one who hates his enemies (People’s Bible: Matthew, NPH, 1997)? Pilate’s plan, however, backfired. The people’s verdict of Jesus was, “Crucify him” (Mt 27:22)! Jesus stayed in custody, Barabbas was released.

Isn’t Barabbas a fitting representative for each one of us! Like him we are guilty. We evade the responsibility; we shift the blame when it comes to sin-like Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden (Gen 3). Like Barabbas, we deserve to die. The wages of our sins is death (Ro 6:23a). But we know God’s Word also says, “(Jesus) was delivered over to death because of our sins…” (Ro 4:25). And we now are “sons of the Father” through faith in Christ Jesus (Gal 3:26, 27).