This first verse makes me, a pastor, a presbyrteros (elder), stop dead in my tracks. For it is the chief priests and the elders, who persuade the crowds to ask for Barabbas’ release and for Jesus’ death. I am reminded of the mighty and persuasive power of this office and calling and how easily it can be abused. So my humble prayer this day is that I may fulfill this calling faithfully and not “release Barabbas,” so to speak.
And yet this text should make all of us stop dead in our tracks and mourn and wail and weep. For we are the crowd shouting “Crucify him!” That is how the church has celebrated Holy Week: by admitting our own complicity in Christ’s death.