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Matthew 27:22 (BSB)
“What then should I do with Jesus who is called Christ?” Pilate asked. They all answered, “Crucify Him!”
THE HOLY BIBLE
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Scripture quotations (main text) are from the Berean Study Bible (BSB), © 2016, 2018 by Bible Hub. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), ©2001 by Crossway, is used for comparison and word study only.
Bible Copyright & Permissions““What then should I do with Jesus who is called Christ?” Pilate asked. They all answered, “Crucify Him!”” — Matthew 27:22
Imagine the tension in the air as Pilate stands before the crowd, feeling the weight of their expectations and fears. He’s asking them point-blank: What should I do with this man, Jesus? The crowd, fueled by a mix of anger, fear, and perhaps even mob mentality, shouts back with a chilling unity: 'Let him be crucified!' In this moment, you can feel the urgency and desperation. Pilate is caught between his own doubts and the roar of the people. It’s a pivotal moment where voices of the crowd drown out individual conscience, highlighting how easily we can be swayed by those around us.
This book was written by Matthew, one of Jesus’ disciples, who wanted to share the story of Jesus in a way that connected with both Jewish and Gentile readers. Matthew highlights this moment because it shows the stark choice between following the crowd and standing for what is right. His perspective, as someone who walked with Jesus, gives a personal touch to the gravity of this choice. He includes this detail to emphasize the human struggle and the consequences of decisions made under pressure.
When this was written, the Roman Empire was at its height, and Jerusalem was a tense place filled with political and religious conflict. The Jewish people were under Roman rule, and there was a longing for freedom and justice. Pilate, a Roman governor, was caught in the middle of this cultural storm. Understanding this historical backdrop helps us see why the crowd reacted so strongly – they were grappling with their own hopes and frustrations, which made them vulnerable to the influence of fear and anger.
This specific verse challenges you to consider the power of collective voices in your life. It’s a reminder of how easily we can be swept up in the opinions of others, sometimes at the cost of our own values or beliefs. In your daily life, you might face moments where you have to choose between what feels right and what everyone else is saying. This verse encourages you to reflect on those choices and to stand firm in your convictions, even when it’s hard.
Take a moment this week to think about a decision you’re facing where outside voices might be influencing you. It could be about a friendship, school, or family expectations. Write down what you truly believe is right in that situation. Then, stand firm in that belief, even if it feels like you’re going against the crowd. It’s about finding your voice and making choices that align with your values.
This moment is the climax of a dramatic narrative that builds throughout the chapter. Before this, Jesus has been arrested, put on trial, and falsely accused. Pilate has already expressed his uncertainty about condemning Jesus, recognizing that he hasn’t done anything wrong. However, the pressure from the religious leaders and the crowd intensifies. This specific moment, where Pilate poses his question, reveals the heart of the conflict: the struggle between justice and public opinion. After this verse, the decision is made, leading to Jesus’ crucifixion, which is the ultimate act of sacrifice in the story. It’s a turning point that shapes the course of events that follow.
When you think about the crowd’s response to Pilate, what influences in your life encourage you to go along with the majority, even when you have doubts?
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