SECTION 1: THE PLOT AGAINST JESUS
Jesus Delivered to Pilate
When morning came, all the chief priests and the elders of the people took counsel against Jesus to put him to death. And they bound him and led him away and delivered him over to Pilate the governor.
Key Insight | Religious authority without righteousness becomes dangerous.
Key Takeaway | "When people are committed to an outcome, they stop caring about truth."
SECTION 2: JUDAS — REGRET WITHOUT REPENTANCE
Judas Hangs Himself
Then when Judas, his betrayer, saw that Jesus was condemned, he changed his mind and brought back the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and the elders, saying, "I have sinned by betraying innocent blood." They said, "What is that to us? See to it yourself." And throwing down the pieces of silver into the temple, he departed, and he went and hanged himself.
Important Distinction:
- Regret = emotional pain
- Repentance = spiritual direction change
Key Takeaway | "Feeling bad doesn't heal you — coming to God does."
SECTION 3: RELIGIOUS HYPOCRISY EXPOSED
But the chief priests, taking the pieces of silver, said, "It is not lawful to put them into the treasury, since it is blood money." So they took counsel and bought with them the potter's field as a burial place for strangers. Therefore that field has been called the Field of Blood to this day. Then was fulfilled what had been spoken by the prophet Jeremiah, saying, "And they took the thirty pieces of silver, the price of him on whom a price had been set by some of the sons of Israel, and they gave them for the potter's field, as the Lord directed me."
Key Takeaway | "When people protect tradition more than truth, something is wrong."
SECTION 4: JESUS BEFORE PILATE — SILENCE UNDER FIRE
Jesus Before Pilate
Now Jesus stood before the governor, and the governor asked him, "Are you the King of the Jews?" Jesus said, "You have said so." But when he was accused by the chief priests and elders, he gave no answer. Then Pilate said to him, "Do you not hear how many things they testify against you?" But he gave him no answer, not even to a single charge, so that the governor was greatly amazed.
Key Insight:
- Jesus wasn't silent because He was weak —
- He was silent because God was in control.
Key Takeaway:
- "You don't have to defend what God is already defending."
- Jesus' silence fulfilled the words of the prophet Isaiah (Isaiah 53:7). Pilate was amazed that Jesus didn't try to defend himself. He recognized the obvious plot against Jesus and wanted to release him, but Pilate was already under pressure from Rome to keep peace in his territory. The last thing he needed was a rebellion over this quiet and seemingly insignificant man.
SECTION 5: BARABBAS VS JESUS — THE CROWD'S CHOICE
The Crowd Chooses Barabbas
Now at the feast the governor was accustomed to release for the crowd any one prisoner whom they wanted. And they had then a notorious prisoner called Barabbas. So when they had gathered, Pilate said to them, "Whom do you want me to release for you: Barabbas, or Jesus who is called Christ?" For he knew that it was out of envy that they had delivered him up. Besides, while he was sitting on the judgment seat, his wife sent word to him, "Have nothing to do with that righteous man, for I have suffered much because of him today in a dream." Now the chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowd to ask for Barabbas and destroy Jesus. The governor again said to them, "Which of the two do you want me to release for you?" And they said, "Barabbas." Pilate said to them, "Then what shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ?" They all said, "Let him be crucified!" And he said, "Why? What evil has he done?" But they shouted all the more, "Let him be crucified!"
Key Insight | Crowds often choose what feels powerful over what is righteous.
Key Takeaway | "Popularity is not proof of correctness."
SECTION 6: PILATE — WASHED HANDS, DIRTY DECISION
Pilate Delivers Jesus to Be Crucified
So when Pilate saw that he was gaining nothing, but rather that a riot was beginning, he took water and washed his hands before the crowd, saying, "I am innocent of this man's blood; see to it yourselves." And all the people answered, "His blood be on us and on our children!" Then he released for them Barabbas, and having scourged Jesus, delivered him to be crucified.
Key Insight | Neutrality is still a decision.
Key Takeaway | "You can't wash away responsibility when God calls you to stand."
5 MAIN POINTS FOR YOU!
POINT 1: REGRET IS NOT THE SAME AS REPENTANCE | (MATTHEW 27:3–5)
Judas says, "I have sinned."
But notice—he doesn't run to God.
He runs back to the people who helped him sin.
KEY TRUTH:
- Regret feels bad about the outcome
- Repentance changes direction
Judas acknowledged guilt, but he didn't seek forgiveness.
APPLICATION:
- Some people feel bad—but never change
- Some apologize—but don't transform
- Some regret decisions—but refuse accountability
Takeaway | Don't just feel sorry—get healed.
POINT 2: CHARACTER DOESN'T HAVE TO DEFEND ITSELF | MATTHEW 27:11–14
Jesus stands before Pilate.
False accusations everywhere.
And Jesus… stays silent.
Pilate is amazed—not because Jesus is weak, but because Jesus is secure.
KEY TRUTH:
- Silence is not surrender
- God doesn't need your help proving the truth
APPLICATION:
- Every lie doesn't need a response
- Every accusation doesn't deserve your energy
- God knows how to clear your name
Takeaway | Sometimes the loudest testimony is your consistent character.
POINT 3: THE CROWD WILL ALWAYS CHOOSE WHAT'S CONVENIENT | MATTHEW 27:15–23
The crowd had a choice:
- Jesus – innocent, righteous, life-giving
- Barabbas – guilty, violent, familiar
And they chose Barabbas.
KEY TRUTH:
- The crowd often chooses comfort over conviction
- What feels powerful isn't always what's right
APPLICATION:
- People still choose shortcuts over obedience
- Popular opinion over godly direction
- Temporary relief over eternal truth
Takeaway | Don't let popular voices determine godly decisions.
POINT 4: WASHING YOUR HANDS DOESN'T REMOVE RESPONSIBILITY | MATTHEW 27:24
Pilate washes his hands and says, "I am innocent of this man's blood."
But neutrality is still a decision.
KEY TRUTH:
- Avoiding responsibility doesn't remove guilt
- Silence in injustice is participation
APPLICATION:
- "I didn't say anything" isn't always innocence
- "That's not my problem" isn't godly leadership
- God calls us to stand—even when it's uncomfortable
Takeaway | Character shows up when pressure is high.
POINT 5: GOD STILL WINS THROUGH YOUR TRIAL | MATTHEW 27:26
Jesus is scourged.
Rejected.
Condemned.
But what looks like defeat is actually redemption in motion.
KEY TRUTH:
- God used injustice to bring salvation
- The cross wasn't loss—it was purpose
APPLICATION:
- God can use your trial to bless others
- What hurts you can help someone else
- Your test can become someone's testimony
Takeaway | Let God get victory through your trial.