Matthew 27: 11-26 | Oshkosh | June 07, 2026

This sermon examines Jesus’ trial before Pontius Pilate in Matthew 27, highlighting the tragic irony of religious leaders who sought ritual purity while plotting the death of the innocent Son of God. The message explores Pilate’s historical background, his strained relationship with the Jewish people, and his repeated attempts to avoid condemning Jesus despite recognizing His innocence. Through the contrast between Jesus and Barabbas, the sermon presents a powerful picture of the Gospel: the guilty go free while the innocent is condemned. Barabbas represents sinful humanity, and Jesus willingly takes the punishment that others deserve. The crowd’s choice of Barabbas and the religious leaders’ declaration, “We have no king but Caesar,” reveal how people often reject God’s truth in favor of their own desires, comfort, or power. Pilate’s failure to act on what he knew was right serves as a warning that there is no neutrality regarding Jesus—everyone must decide what they will do with Him. Ultimately, the sermon emphasizes that Jesus remained sovereign throughout His suffering, willingly embracing the cross as God’s plan of redemption so that sinners could be forgiven and receive salvation through Him alone.