Matthew 27:22
Pilate saith unto them, What shall I do then with Jesus which is called Christ? They all say unto him, Let him be crucified.
Matthew 27:22
“Pilate saith unto them, What shall I do then with Jesus which is called Christ? They all say unto him, Let him be crucified.” This climactic question reveals the depth of collective denial. Pilate’s question is rhetorical: What is the rightful response to Jesus’ claim? The crowd’s unanimous reply demonstrates their commitment to a path of crucifixion over endorsement of Jesus’ message. The pronoun “they” encompasses crowd, priests, and elders working in concert to reject the one they recognize as Christ. Pilate’s authority tries to secure political order by blessing death rather than justice. The contrast between Jesus’ call to life and the crowd’s insistence on execution highlights a core biblical dilemma—a decision about who Jesus is and how one will respond to him. This moment encapsulates the gospel’s conflict and the rejection that it often encounters.
The theological weight centers on the rejection of the Messiah and the consequences of that rejection. It demonstrates human sin and the costliness of truth in a fallen world. Yet, within this rejection lies the possibility of reconciliation through the cross, where Jesus bears the burden of humanity’s choices. The verse also foreshadows the universality of Christ’s atonement: the decision of that moment extends beyond the crowd to all humanity, inviting individuals to respond in faith and allegiance to Christ.
Today, we still face a pointed question: what will we do with Jesus? Our answer shapes our values, priorities, and destiny. Practical application: examine your daily life for places where your actions reveal a preference for control or safety over surrender to Christ’s lordship. Do you live in ways that honor Jesus as Messiah when it’s costly? How you respond to Jesus in your relationships, work, and community reveals your true allegiance. Seek guidance in Scripture and community to ensure your choices reflect Christ’s reign of love, justice, and mercy.
Cross-References: Philippians 2:9-11; Matthew 16:24-26; John 19:15; Acts 2:36