Matthew 27:23
And the governor said, Why, what evil hath he done? But they cried out the more, saying, Let him be crucified.
Matthew 27:23
Pilate’s probing question, “Why, what evil hath he done?” is met with a torrent of cries for crucifixion: “Let him be crucified.” The governor’s attempt to understand Jesus’ supposed offense reveals his desire to avoid responsibility for an unjust act. The crowd’s insistence on capital punishment despite Pilate’s pushback illustrates the triumph of public sentiment over moral integrity. This verse exposes the moral complexity of guilt: there is a clear innocence on display, even if it is ignored by those in power. The question also underscores Jesus’ innocence in the face of blame. The crowd’s reaction shows the deep spiritual blindness of a society that willfully rejects righteousness to preserve its own agenda. It’s a moment that reveals the consequences of moral compromise in leadership and the crowd.
Theologically, this verse reinforces the central claim of the gospel: Jesus is innocent and righteous, yet borne to the cross by human hands. It emphasizes the distinction between outward appearances of justice (legal forms) and the inward reality of salvation achieved through unjust suffering. The crowd’s demand to crucify illustrates the perverse wisdom of the world inverting values—life through death. This reinforces the teaching that God’s ways are not our ways, and the path to life often runs through the cross.
We can apply this by resisting the ease of demagogic rhetoric that justifies harm against the innocent. In our own spheres, practice moral courage: scrutinize authorities or trending opinions that demand punitive outcomes without due process or mercy. Model restorative justice in personal conflicts; when wrong is alleged, seek truth and healing rather than vengeance. Cultivate empathy for the vulnerable and practice nonviolence in conflict. The crucible of this verse invites believers to consider: what do we do when the crowd screams for a harsh verdict? The answer is to stand for truth with compassionate integrity, even when it costs us our comfort or reputation.
Cross-References: Isaiah 53:7; Romans 3:25-26; 1 Corinthians 1:23-25; 2 Corinthians 5:21