Jesus was arrested and on trial during the feast of Passover. Lucky for him it was tradition for the governor to release a prisoner to the people during the celebration. In that time, it was pretty easy to get arrested because the Romans wanted everything to stay under control. Any disturbing of the peace just might get you a night in chains.
Pontius Pilate was the governor, and he tried to help Jesus go free because he knew the chief priest was acting out of jealousy rather than justice. So, Pilate elected to let the people choose between Jesus and Barabbas. Jesus, who we know did nothing wrong; and Barabbas who was a notorious criminal. Pilate hoped that the people would make the right choice. Unfortunately, a person is smart, but people are usually stupid. The leaders who were jealous of Jesus persuaded the crowd to make the wrong choice.
Matthew 27:21-24, ‘The governor again said to them, “Which of the two do you want me to release for you?” And they said, “Barabbas.” Pilate said to them, “Then what shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ?” They all said, “Let him be crucified!” And he said, “Why? What evil has he done?” But they shouted all the more, “Let him be crucified!”’
Pilate sees the injustice happening right before him, but rather than start a riot, he washes his hands of all of it and walks away. Even knowing Jesus is innocent, we know what is going to happen. And we don’t like to admit it, but we also know that if we were in that crowd that day, we would have cheered along with everyone else. Our sin yells crucify louder than the mob that day.
Seeing an innocent Jesus go through all the torture and pain, we are reminded that he came here knowing that this was his ultimate purpose. He came here to go through this for us.
Jesus came so that whoever believes in him would not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send Jesus to condemn or punish the world (which he had the power to do), but Jesus came so that everyone might be saved.
We hate to see the injustice, but we have the benefit of seeing the purpose.