Christ Crucified Instead of Barabbas

This being the start of Passion week, I decided to look with you this morning at one of the key texts in the crucifixion narratives. Every year in the few days before Good Friday my thoughts get immersed in the story of the crucifixion, and I find myself sort of itching to preach a sermon on Judas' betrayal, or the trials and humiliation of Christ, or Peter's denial, or some other key facet of the crucifixion story, but Good Friday is always followed by Easter, on Easter Sunday the only suitable theme is resurrection. So this year I made a special effort to think ahead, and I want to look at one of the key events in Jesus' trial before Pilate. So turn with me, if you will, to Matthew 27:15-26...