Matthew 27:15

“Now at that feast the governor was wont to release unto the people a prisoner, whom they would.”

This verse is a part of the account of Jesus’ trial and crucifixion. It takes place during the events leading up to Jesus’ crucifixion, where Pilate, the governor, had the authority to release a prisoner as a gesture of goodwill towards the Jewish people during the Passover feast.

The verse signifies a customary practice that Pilate observed during the feast. It was a tradition for the governor to release one prisoner chosen by the people. This act of clemency was likely meant to maintain peace and goodwill among the Jewish population, as well as to assert the governor’s authority and demonstrate his benevolence.

In the context of the surrounding verses, we see that Pilate wanted to release Jesus, whom he found innocent, but the chief priests and elders incited the crowd to ask for Barabbas, a notorious prisoner, to be released instead (Matthew 27:16-17). Pilate then asks the crowd whom they want to be released, Jesus or Barabbas, and the crowd, influenced by the religious leaders, demands the release of Barabbas (Matthew 27:20-21).

This event further highlights the injustice of Jesus’ trial and the fulfilment of Old Testament prophecies regarding the Messiah’s suffering and rejection. It reveals the willingness of the religious leaders to manipulate the crowd and the political system to ensure Jesus’ crucifixion.

The choice between Jesus and Barabbas also symbolises the ultimate substitutionary nature of Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross. Barabbas, a guilty criminal, is set free while Jesus, who is innocent and sinless, is condemned to death. This foreshadows Jesus’ role as the sacrificial Lamb of God, who would take upon Himself the sins of humanity, granting forgiveness and redemption to all who believe in Him.