The Strangest of Foursomes

In this dramatic examination of the civil trial of Jesus found in Matthew 27, Chuck Swindoll characterizes the events as the "Darkest Day in the history of the world," where the innocent Son of God was condemned so that humanity might be made righteous. Swindoll frames the narrative around a unique cast of characters—a "strange foursome"—drawn together for one historic moment: Jesus, the innocent captive; Pilate, the vacillating judge; Barabbas, the notorious criminal; and Pilate's wife, the troubled dreamer. The sermon details the intense pressure facing Pilate. Though he knows Jesus is innocent and that the religious leaders are motivated by envy, Pilate lacks the character to stand against the mob. He attempts to use Barabbas—a murderer and revolutionary—as a bargaining chip, assuming the crowd would never choose a violent criminal over Jesus. However, the crowd shocks Pilate by demanding Barabbas's release and Jesus' crucifixion. Swindoll vividly imagines Barabbas in the Fortress of Antonia, hearing the crowd chant his name and expecting death, only to be stunned by an act of grace he did not deserve [23–24, 29–30, 40]. Swindoll also explores the interruption by Pilate's wife, who warns her husband to have "nothing to do" with that righteous man. Despite this supernatural warning and his own conscience, Pilate attempts to remain neutral by washing his hands of the matter—a futile gesture that Swindoll argues curses him in the "hour of decision". The message concludes with four practical lessons drawn from each character: stand firm like Jesus, listen to integrity like Pilate should have, recognize escape as grace (not luck) like Barabbas, and base warnings on wisdom rather than superstition like Pilate's wife [50–55].

Message Key Facts:

• The Fourth Trial: Swindoll notes that by the time Jesus reaches Pilate in Matthew 27, He has already endured three religious trials (before Annas, Caiaphas, and the Sanhedrin) and severe physical brutality. Swindoll references Isaiah’s prophecy that His face was "marred more than that of a man" [19–20].
• The Name "Barabbas": Swindoll breaks down the name Bar-Abbas, noting that Bar means "son" and Abbas means "father." He suggests this "son of the father" may have been a rabbi's son who went astray into crime.
• Jesus Barabbas: Citing manuscript footnotes and versions like the Syriac, Swindoll reveals that Barabbas’s first name was likely Jesus. This created a stark choice for the crowd: "Which do you want released: Jesus Barabbas (Son of the Father) or Jesus the Messiah?" [32–34].
• The Prisoner's Perspective: Swindoll constructs a vivid scenario where Barabbas, sitting in his cell, hears the crowd screaming his name and then "Crucify him!" He likely thought the chants were for his execution, not realizing until the soldiers arrived that he was being set free while another took his cross [36–39].
• The Wife’s Note: Pilate's wife sent a message telling him to have "nothing" to do with Jesus. Swindoll cites scholar A.T. Robertson, noting that her "psychical sufferings increased Pilate's superstitious fears," unnerving him further.
• The Myth of Neutrality: Pilate tried to wash his hands of the situation, claiming innocence. Swindoll uses this to teach that "neutrality curses one in the hour of decision." Pilate knew the truth but lacked the courage to act on it.
• Luck vs. Grace: Swindoll strongly rejects the idea that Barabbas was "lucky." He uses Barabbas as a picture of the believer: a guilty person who watches an innocent substitute die in their place. "When you get what you did not deserve, call it Grace not luck".
• Integrity vs. Majority: A key lesson from Pilate's failure is that the majority is seldom right. Leaders must listen to the "quiet voice of integrity" rather than the shout of the crowd.

Message References:

• Matthew 27:11–26: The primary text covering Jesus’ trial before Pilate and the release of Barabbas.
• 2 Corinthians 5:21: "He who knew no sin was made sin on our behalf" (quoted in the introduction).
• Isaiah 52:14: Referenced regarding Jesus' face being "marred more than that of a man".
• Luke 23:25 & John 18:40: Cited to establish Barabbas’s background as a robber, revolutionary, and murderer.
• Matthew 27:19: The interruption by Pilate's wife regarding her nightmare.
• Matthew 27:24: Pilate washes his hands before the crowd, claiming innocence of Jesus' blood.

Message Speaker:

Pastor Chuck Swindoll