John 18:39 – “But it is your custom for me to release to you one prisoner at the time of the Passover. Do you want me to release ‘the king of the Jews’?”

Extended Explanation

In this verse, Pilate attempts to avoid sentencing Jesus to death by offering to release Him as part of a Passover tradition. He presents the choice to the Jewish crowd, referring to Jesus as “the king of the Jews.”

This was likely a strategy on Pilate’s part. He had already declared that he found no guilt in Jesus (John 18:38), and he may have assumed that offering Jesus’ release would satisfy the people. Perhaps he thought the crowd would choose Jesus over a known criminal, thereby resolving the situation without angering the Jewish leaders.

However, Pilate’s use of the title “the king of the Jews” seems sarcastic. He likely did not believe Jesus was a true king, but he was also mocking the Jewish leaders. By referring to Jesus this way, Pilate may have been emphasizing the absurdity of the charges against Him.

Despite Pilate’s attempt to avoid responsibility, the crowd would soon demand the release of Barabbas instead, choosing a guilty man over the innocent Son of God (John 18:40).

Historical Context

During Passover, the Roman governor had a custom of releasing a prisoner chosen by the people. This tradition may have been a way to appease the Jewish population and maintain peace during a festival that celebrated Israel’s deliverance from oppression.

Pilate’s decision to offer Jesus as the prisoner to be released shows that he did not believe Jesus was dangerous. He saw no evidence that Jesus was guilty of any crime deserving death. However, he was caught between the Jewish leaders, who were demanding execution, and his own desire to keep order.

Barabbas, the other prisoner who was offered for release, was a known rebel and murderer (Mark 15:7). This contrast highlights the injustice of what was happening. Pilate offered the people a choice between a violent criminal and the innocent Jesus. Yet, influenced by the religious leaders, the crowd chose Barabbas (Matthew 27:20-21).

This moment also fulfilled prophecy. Isaiah 53:3 describes how the Messiah would be rejected by His own people. The people of Israel had been waiting for a savior, yet when given the chance, they chose a criminal instead of their true King.

Theological Implications

1. Jesus Was Innocent Yet Condemned – Pilate recognized Jesus’ innocence but still allowed the people to decide His fate. This shows that Jesus was not condemned because of any crime but because it was God’s plan for Him to bear the punishment of sin.
2. The Rejection of the True King – The Jewish leaders and the crowd rejected Jesus, choosing a criminal instead. This symbolizes how humanity, in its sinful nature, often chooses sin over righteousness.
3. Barabbas as a Picture of Substitution – Barabbas, a guilty man, was set free while Jesus, the innocent one, was condemned. This is a powerful image of substitution—Jesus taking the place of sinners.
4. Pilate’s Weak Leadership – Pilate was in a position to do what was right, but he chose political convenience over justice. His example warns us about the dangers of compromise when facing pressure.

This moment was not just an unjust decision by a corrupt system—it was part of God’s sovereign plan to bring salvation to the world.

Literary Analysis

John’s Gospel presents a dramatic contrast between Jesus and Barabbas. Jesus, the innocent and righteous King, is placed side by side with Barabbas, a violent criminal. The crowd’s choice reveals the depth of their rejection of Jesus.

The phrase “the king of the Jews” is significant. Pilate repeats this title several times (John 19:19-22), showing his mockery of both Jesus and the Jewish leaders. However, the irony is that Jesus truly is the King—not just of the Jews but of all people.

John also emphasizes the theme of substitution. Barabbas, whose name means “son of the father,” is set free while the true Son of the Father, Jesus, takes his place. This foreshadows the ultimate purpose of Jesus’ death—He would die in place of sinners.

Biblical Cross-References

• Isaiah 53:3 – “He was despised and rejected by mankind, a man of suffering, and familiar with pain.” The people’s rejection of Jesus was prophesied.
• Luke 23:2 – The Jewish leaders accused Jesus before Pilate, claiming He opposed Caesar.
• Mark 15:7 – Barabbas was in prison for murder and insurrection, making the crowd’s choice even more shocking.
• Matthew 27:20-21 – The chief priests influenced the crowd to choose Barabbas over Jesus.
• 2 Corinthians 5:21 – “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” Jesus became our substitute.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

This verse challenges us to consider how we respond to Jesus. The crowd had a choice between Jesus and Barabbas, and they chose the criminal. Every day, people make similar choices—choosing sin, selfishness, and worldly priorities over Christ.

It also reminds us that Jesus willingly took our place. Just as Barabbas was set free while Jesus was condemned, we are forgiven because Jesus took the punishment we deserved. This should fill us with gratitude and inspire us to live for Him.

Additionally, this verse is a warning about the dangers of following the crowd. The people who shouted for Jesus’ crucifixion were likely some of the same people who had welcomed Him with palm branches a few days earlier. Public opinion is unreliable, but standing for truth requires courage.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God’s love is seen in how He allowed Jesus to take the place of the guilty. Even though Jesus was rejected and condemned by the people He came to save, He did not resist. He willingly went to the cross out of love for humanity.

This verse also shows God’s patience. He did not bring immediate judgment on those who rejected Jesus. Instead, He continued to offer salvation, even to those who had once called for His crucifixion (Acts 2:36-38).

God’s love is not dependent on human approval. Even when people reject Him, His plan for redemption remains unchanged.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Jesus’ trial before Pilate fulfilled prophecy and demonstrated His role as the suffering servant.

• John 10:18 – “No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord.” Jesus willingly gave His life.
• Philippians 2:8 – “He humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross!” Jesus’ humility led to our salvation.
• Revelation 19:16 – Jesus will return as “King of kings and Lord of lords.” Though rejected at His first coming, He will be revealed in full glory.

Jesus was not just an innocent man caught in a political struggle—He was the Lamb of God, willingly taking the punishment for sin so that we could be forgiven.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. Why do you think Pilate offered to release Jesus instead of simply setting Him free?
2. How does Barabbas’ release illustrate the idea of substitution?
3. What does this verse teach us about how easily people can be influenced by the crowd?
4. Have you ever faced a situation where you had to choose between standing for truth and going along with public opinion?
5. How does this passage deepen your understanding of Jesus’ sacrifice for sinners?

This verse is a powerful reminder of humanity’s rejection of Jesus—but also of God’s grace in offering salvation. Even when people choose sin over truth, Jesus’ love remains, calling us to repentance and new life in Him.