Listen up, little ones
Listen for the names Barabbas and Jesus.
Reading
Matthew 27:15-26—The Son of God or the Son of Abbas?
Optional Reading
Luke 23:18–25
Keys for kids
- Pilate knew Jesus was innocent.
- He tried (a little bit) to let Jesus go.
- But he ended up letting the Jews crucify Jesus.
Questions
- Why did Pilate want to release Jesus?
- Why didn’t Pilate release Jesus?
- What did Pilate do with Jesus?
Catechism
WSC 83
Are all transgressions of the law equally heinous?
Some sins in themselves, and by reason of several aggravations, are more heinous in the sight of God than others.
Notes
(See below for all authors.)
‘Jesus stood before the governor, and the governor asked him, “Are you the king of the Jews?” ’ Once again Jesus gives his roundabout agreement to this. The chief priests and elders bring their accusations and once more Jesus will make ‘no reply, not even to a single charge—to the great amazement on the governor’ (27:14). … he tries to release Jesus. … he asks [the crowd], ‘Which one do you want me to release to you: Barabbas, or Jesus who is called Christ?’ … ‘the chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowd to ask for Barabbas and to have Jesus executed.’
The weak governor cannot resist their demand. He asks rather lamely, ‘What shall I do, then, with Jesus who is called Christ?’ (27:22). He receives the uncompromising answer, ‘Crucify him!’ Pilate asks, ‘Why? What crime has he committed?’, but ‘They shouted all the louder, “Crucify him!” ’ Therefore, rather like Judas returning the priests’ silver coins, Pilate tries to absolve himself from all responsibility for ‘this man’s blood’ by washing his hands ‘in front of the crowd’.
John Legg, The King and His Kingdom: The Gospel of Matthew Simply Explained
Swedish Method questions
Praise
Psalm 32c, 104a
Prayer
- Rejoice that God doesn’t hold you responsible for Jesus’s death.
- Pray for the reading and preaching of God’s word tomorrow.
- Pray for a member of our church, for your family, and for a non-Christian friend/family member.