“Whom Do You Want?” – Matthew 27:11-26

Introduction:  The plot to eliminate Jesus (See Matthew 26:47-68)

I.        Pilate and Jesus

          A.     Pilate Questions Jesus

                  1.      (v11) “Are you the King of the Jews?”

                  2.      (v13) “Don’t you hear the testimony they are bringing against you?”

                           a.    Luke 23:2 He claims to be the Messiah

                           b.    Isaiah 53:3 He was despised and rejected by mankind

          B.     Jesus’ Response

                  1.      (v14) but Jesus made no reply, not even to a single charge – to the amazement of Pilate

                  2.      How do we react when we are put in this position?

                           a.    Get defensive?  Get angry?  Get even?

                           b.    Have integrity?  Maintain self-control?  Give grace?

II.       Pilate and the crowd

          A.     Pilate Questions the Crowd

                  1.      (v18) He knew it was out of self-interest (envy, jealousy) that they handed Jesus over

                  2.      (v19) His wife sent him a message, “Don’t have anything to do with that innocent man…”

                  3.      (v17) Which one do you want me to release to you?  Barabbas or Jesus?

          B.     The Crowd’s Response

                  1.      (v20) The crowd chooses Barabbas and demands Jesus be executed

                  2.      (v21) Which of the two do you want me to release to you?

                  3.      (v24) Pilate saw that he was getting nowhere, but that instead an uproar was starting

Conclusion:   “Whom do you want?”