March 15, 2013

Matthew 27:15-25
It was an old custom during the Feast for the governor to pardon a single prisoner named by the crowd. At the time, they had the infamous Jesus Barabbas in prison. With the crowd before him, Pilate said, “Which prisoner do you want me to pardon: Jesus Barabbas, or Jesus the so-called Christ?” He knew it was through sheer spite that they had turned Jesus over to him.

While court was still in session, Pilate’s wife sent him a message: “Don’t get mixed up in judging this noble man. I’ve just been through a long and troubled night because of a dream about him.”

Meanwhile, the high priests and religious leaders had talked the crowd into asking for the pardon of Barabbas and the execution of Jesus.

 The governor asked, “Which of the two do you want me to pardon?”

They said, “Barabbas!”

 “Then what do I do with Jesus, the so-called Christ?”

They all shouted, “Nail him to a cross!”

He objected, “But for what crime?”

But they yelled all the louder, “Nail him to a cross!”

Reflection questions: Why do you think the crowd turned against Jesus?  Why would they rather have a murderer pardoned than the one who had healed them and preached the good news to them?

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