Matthew 27:20

But the chiefe Priestes and Elders perswaded the multitude that they should aske Barabbas, & destroy Iesus. Matthew 27:20 (KJV)

Context: Matthew 27:20 is part of the narrative of Jesus’ trial and crucifixion. Prior to this verse, Jesus had been arrested, brought before the religious authorities, and condemned to death for blasphemy by the Jewish Sanhedrin. The chief priests and elders, who were members of the Sanhedrin, were influential figures in the Jewish religious hierarchy.

Chief Priests and Elders: The chief priests and elders were part of the religious leadership in Jerusalem. They held significant authority and were responsible for maintaining order in the Jewish religious system. However, many of them had become hostile toward Jesus because they perceived Him as a threat to their authority and traditions.

Persuading the Multitude: In this verse the chief priests and elders used their influence to manipulate the crowd that had gathered. They persuaded the people to choose Barabbas, a notorious prisoner, to be released instead of Jesus. This was a calculated move to ensure that Jesus would be condemned to death.

Barabbas: Barabbas was a criminal who had been imprisoned for rebellion and murder (Mark 15:7; Luke 23:19) and is also described as a notorious prisoner (Matthew 27:16). The chief priests and elders knew that presenting the crowd with the option to release Barabbas instead of Jesus would increase the likelihood of Jesus being sentenced to death.

Symbolic Meaning: This verse reveals the depth of the opposition that Jesus faced from the religious leaders of His time. The chief priests and elders, who should have recognised Jesus as the Messiah, instead chose to deceive the people and turn them against Him. This manipulation represents the rejection of Jesus by the religious establishment and highlights the fulfilment of prophecies regarding the suffering and rejection of the Messiah (Isaiah 53:3).