Matthew 27:1-10  Christians have struggled with the betrayal of Judas, his recognition that he had “betrayed innocent blood,” and his scandalous death.

Matthew 27:11-26  Did you know that the name “Barabbas” means “son of the father”? Also, some ancient manuscripts of Matthew’s Gospel give the first name of Barabbas as “Jesus.” Thus, when Pilate gives the crowd a choice of which prisoner they wanted released, the choice was between “Jesus Barabbas” or “Jesus called Christ.” This intriguing mixing of names here points to the fact that all of us must make a choice. What kind of Jesus do you want?

Matthew 27:27-44  Jesus is delivered over to be crucified. His is crucified amid the mockery of the crowds.