Matthew 27:26

Then released he Barabbas unto them: and when he had scourged Jesus, he delivered him to be crucified.

Matthew 27:26 (KJV)

Context

Pilate, the Roman governor, had already declared Jesus innocent and washed his hands of the matter (Matthew 27:24). Yet the crowd, stirred by the chief priests and elders, demanded Jesus’ crucifixion and the release of Barabbas, a notorious prisoner guilty of insurrection and murder (Matthew 27:15-20). Matthew 27:26 records the tragic outcome: Pilate released Barabbas, scourged Jesus, and delivered Him to be crucified.

Meaning

The release of Barabbas is a striking picture of substitution. Barabbas, a guilty sinner, went free, while Jesus, the innocent Son of God, was condemned in his place. The name Barabbas means “son of the father” (Bar-Abba), an irony that points to Jesus, the true and eternal Son of the Father. Scourging was a brutal flogging with a whip embedded with sharp objects, intended to weaken and humiliate the victim before execution. Pilate’s delivery of Jesus to be crucified fulfilled the Roman sentence, yet it also fulfilled God’s redemptive plan.

Biblical connections

The parallel account in Mark 15:15 confirms the same sequence: Pilate released Barabbas and delivered Jesus to be crucified after scourging. This unjust exchange—the guilty set free, the innocent punished—is a vivid illustration of the gospel. As Isaiah 53:5 prophesied, the Messiah would be wounded for our transgressions and bruised for our iniquities.

Application

This verse reminds believers that salvation is a gift of grace. Barabbas deserved punishment, yet he was pardoned; we, too, deserve judgment for our sins, but Christ took that penalty upon Himself. Jesus’ willingness to endure scourging and crucifixion demonstrates His deep love and obedience to the Father. His steadfast endurance encourages us to remain faithful in our own trials, trusting that God’s purpose is accomplished even through suffering.

Reflection

Consider the exchange: Barabbas walked away free, and Jesus was led to the cross. In that moment, every sinner finds hope. The innocent suffered so that the guilty could be released. This is the heart of the gospel—God’s grace offered freely to all who believe.