Then What Shall I Do With Jesus Who Is Called the Christ?
Learning Objectives
Explain how Old Testament prophecy pointed to the suffering, death, and reign of Christ.
Show that Judas, Pilate, and the Jews each answered Pilate’s question by their actions.
Demonstrate that no person can remain neutral toward Jesus Christ.
Warn against betrayal, cowardice, crowd-following, and delayed obedience.
Call every hearer to answer rightly by obeying the gospel of Christ.
Thesis
Every person must answer Pilate’s question: “Then what shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ?” Judas betrayed Him, Pilate tried to avoid responsibility, the Jews crucified Him, and we must either reject Him or obey Him.
Introduction.
Matthew 27:22 records one of the most serious questions ever asked.
Pilate asked, “Then what shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ?”
He asked it in a courtroom.
He asked it in front of an angry crowd.
He asked it while the innocent Son of God stood before him.
That question was not only Pilate’s question.
Judas had already answered it.
The Jewish leaders were answering it.
The crowd was answering it.
Barabbas was affected by it.
Every sinner must answer it.
The Old Testament had already spoken of the Christ.
Zechariah 9:9–10 foretold a humble King.
His kingdom would not be advanced by carnal warfare.
His dominion would reach beyond Israel.
Isaiah 53 foretold a suffering Servant.
The cross was not an accident.
It fulfilled prophecy.
It revealed man’s wickedness.
It revealed God’s mercy.
It became the place where the innocent died for the guilty.
Many were involved in the crucifixion.
Judas betrayed Him.
Pilate delivered Him.
The Jews demanded His death.
Barabbas was released because Jesus was condemned.
You and I must decide what we will do with Jesus who is called the Christ.
I. What Did Judas Do With Jesus Who Is Called the Christ?
Judas had every opportunity to know the Lord.
Judas was one of the twelve apostles.
He was not a stranger to Jesus.
He was not ignorant of the Lord’s teaching.
He walked with Christ.
He heard what many never heard.
Judas saw the works of Christ.
He saw His miracles.
He saw His compassion.
He saw His patience.
He saw His power over disease, demons, and death.
Judas sat under the greatest Teacher who ever lived.
His Teacher was not merely a rabbi.
His Teacher was the Son of God.
His Teacher was God in the flesh.
Yet Judas still hardened his heart.
Judas allowed greed and bitterness to rule him.
Matthew 26 records a woman pouring costly ointment upon Jesus.
It was an act of honor.
It was an act of devotion.
Jesus accepted it.
Judas objected to the act.
He spoke as though he cared about the poor.
His words sounded noble.
His heart was corrupt.
Jesus rebuked the criticism.
He defended the woman.
He said she had done a good work.
Judas did not receive the rebuke with humility.
Judas then went to the chief priests.
He asked what they would give him.
He agreed to betray Jesus.
Greed and bitterness opened the door to treachery.
Judas betrayed Jesus with a kiss.
Judas came with a crowd.
They came with swords.
They came with clubs.
They came as though Jesus were a criminal.
Judas greeted Jesus with outward affection.
He called Him “Rabbi.”
He kissed Him.
He used a sign of friendship as a weapon of betrayal.
Judas’ sin was not ignorance.
He knew Jesus.
He had heard Jesus.
He had followed Jesus outwardly.
His problem was a corrupt heart.
Judas’ answer was betrayal.
Judas could have repented.
He could have humbled himself.
He could have sought mercy.
He could have returned to God.
Instead, he chose despair.
He regretted what happened.
But regret is not the same as godly repentance.
He took his own life.
Judas answered Pilate’s question before Pilate ever asked it.
What did Judas do with Jesus?
He sold Him.
He betrayed Him.
He chose sin over the Savior.
II. What Did Pilate Do With Jesus Who Is Called the Christ?
Pilate knew Jesus was not guilty.
Jesus stood before Pilate.
Accusations were made.
The Jewish leaders pressed their case.
Pilate questioned Him.
Jesus did not behave like a guilty criminal.
He did not panic.
He did not beg.
He did not answer like a desperate man.
Pilate saw through the motive of the Jewish leaders.
He knew envy was involved.
He knew this was not honest justice.
He knew Jesus did not deserve death.
Pilate had authority to act.
Pilate was the Roman governor.
He had civil authority.
He had judicial authority.
He had power to release or condemn.
Pilate could have released Jesus.
He knew there was no just reason to execute Him.
He had opportunity to do right.
He had responsibility before God.
Knowing the truth is not enough.
Pilate knew.
Pilate hesitated.
Pilate compromised.
Pilate still delivered Jesus to be crucified.
Pilate tried to escape responsibility.
Pilate offered the crowd a choice.
Jesus or Barabbas.
The innocent or the guilty.
The Christ or a criminal.
The crowd chose Barabbas.
They rejected Jesus.
They demanded the release of a guilty man.
They cried for Jesus to be crucified.
Pilate washed his hands before the people.
He claimed innocence.
He tried to put the guilt on the crowd.
But water cannot wash away moral cowardice.
Pilate’s answer was cowardice.
Pilate feared the crowd.
He feared unrest.
He feared political trouble.
He feared losing control.
Pilate chose safety over righteousness.
He knew what was right.
He refused to do it.
That is cowardice.
Pilate answered his own question.
What did Pilate do with Jesus?
He tried to avoid Him.
He tried to wash his hands of Him.
But he still delivered Him to be crucified.
III. What Did the Jews Do With Jesus Who Is Called the Christ?
They rejected the promised Messiah.
The prophets had pointed to Christ.
Zechariah spoke of the humble King.
Isaiah spoke of the suffering Servant.
The Scriptures had prepared Israel for Him.
Jesus fulfilled the evidence.
He taught with authority.
He worked miracles.
He healed the sick.
He raised the dead.
He exposed sin and preached truth.
Many still rejected Him.
They hated His authority.
They hated His correction.
They hated the light because their deeds were evil.
They demanded His death.
Pilate asked what should be done with Jesus.
The question was plain.
The crowd’s answer was wicked.
They demanded crucifixion.
They chose Barabbas over Jesus.
Barabbas was guilty.
Jesus was innocent.
The guilty man was released while the innocent Christ was condemned.
They rejected their own King.
The One sent by God stood before them.
The One promised by the prophets was in their hands.
They chose murder over Messiah.
Jesus was treated as though He were nothing.
Isaiah 53 describes the rejected Servant.
He was despised.
He was rejected.
He was treated as a man of sorrow and suffering.
Isaiah 53 teaches that He suffered for others.
He carried grief that was not His own.
He bore wounds caused by our sins.
He received punishment that brought peace to others.
By His suffering, healing became possible.
Jesus was innocent, but He suffered as guilty.
He had done no sin.
He had spoken no deceit.
Yet He was numbered with transgressors.
Their answer was crucifixion.
They could have believed Him.
The evidence was before them.
The Scriptures testified of Him.
His works confirmed His identity.
Instead, they hardened their hearts.
They stirred up the crowd.
They rejected the Lord.
They demanded His death.
What did the Jews do with Jesus?
They denied Him.
They mocked Him.
They crucified Him.
IV. What Did Barabbas Receive Because of Jesus Who Is Called the Christ?
Barabbas was guilty.
Barabbas was not an innocent man.
He was a criminal.
He deserved punishment.
He was under condemnation.
Barabbas stood where sinners stand.
Guilty.
Condemned.
Unable to free himself.
Barabbas had no claim to mercy.
He did not earn release.
He did not deserve freedom.
He was spared because another was condemned.
Jesus took the place of the guilty.
Barabbas was released.
Jesus was condemned.
Barabbas went free.
Jesus went to the cross.
The picture is powerful.
The guilty man lived.
The innocent Man died.
The sinner was spared because Christ was rejected.
Barabbas reminds us of ourselves.
We are the guilty ones.
We are the sinners.
We are the ones who need mercy.
The cross shows mercy for the guilty.
Jesus did not die for His own sins.
He had none.
He was innocent.
He was the spotless Lamb of God.
Jesus died because we sinned.
Our transgressions made the cross necessary.
Our guilt needed atonement.
Our souls needed redemption.
Barabbas walked away free.
But freedom is wasted if a man never honors the One who made mercy possible.
A man may benefit from mercy and still refuse the Savior.
That must not be us.
V. What Will You Do With Jesus Who Is Called the Christ?
You cannot avoid the question.
Pilate tried to avoid it.
He shifted responsibility.
He listened to the crowd.
He washed his hands.
But Pilate still made a choice.
Not choosing Christ is choosing against Him.
Delaying obedience is not obedience.
Refusing to act is still an answer.
Every person must answer.
Judas answered.
Pilate answered.
The Jews answered.
Barabbas was affected by the answer.
Now you must answer.
You can betray Him.
Judas betrayed Him for silver.
Some betray Him for money.
Some betray Him for pleasure.
Some betray Him for pride.
Some betray Him for acceptance.
A person can betray Christ while still sounding religious.
Judas called Him “Rabbi.”
Judas kissed Him.
Religious language cannot hide a rebellious heart.
A man can be close to truth and still be lost.
Judas was near Jesus.
Judas heard Jesus.
Judas followed Jesus outwardly.
But his heart belonged to sin.
You can try to wash your hands of Him.
Some say, “I do not want to get involved.”
That is Pilate’s spirit.
It sounds neutral.
It is not neutral.
Some know what is right but fear people.
Fear of family.
Fear of friends.
Fear of tradition.
Fear of embarrassment.
Pilate shows the danger of cowardice.
He knew enough.
He saw enough.
He had authority enough.
But he would not do right.
You can reject Him with the crowd.
The crowd cried for crucifixion.
Crowds are often wrong.
Majority approval does not equal truth.
Popular religion can still oppose God.
Many still choose Barabbas over Jesus.
Sin over righteousness.
The world over the kingdom.
Comfort over conviction.
Tradition over Scripture.
Following the crowd will not excuse anyone in judgment.
God will not ask what the crowd chose.
God will not ask what your family chose.
God will ask what you did with His Son.
You can obey Him.
The right answer is surrender.
Believe Him.
Repent of sin.
Confess Him.
Be baptized into Christ.
Live faithfully under His authority.
Acts 2 shows the right response.
The people were pierced to the heart.
They asked what they should do.
Peter commanded repentance and baptism in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins.
The gospel demands more than admiration.
Not mere emotion.
Not mere sympathy.
Not mere religious talk.
Obedient faith.
VI. Will You Crucify Him Again?
Christ died because of sin.
He did not die because He was guilty.
Judas was guilty.
Pilate was guilty.
The Jewish leaders were guilty.
We are guilty.
Christ died because He loved us.
He gave Himself.
He bore shame.
He endured the cross.
The cross reveals the seriousness of sin.
Sin is not a small thing.
Sin separates man from God.
Sin required the blood of Christ.
A person dishonors Christ by refusing Him.
To reject the gospel is to reject the crucified Lord.
It is not harmless delay.
It is not a minor disagreement.
It is rebellion against the Savior.
To return to sin after obeying Him is spiritual treachery.
The Christian must not treat grace lightly.
The Christian must not return to the world.
The Christian must not trample underfoot the blood of Christ.
The Lord deserves better than leftovers.
He deserves the heart.
He deserves obedience.
He deserves faithfulness.
Judgment will reveal your answer.
One day Christ will judge.
Not Pilate.
Not the crowd.
Not religious leaders.
Christ.
The question will not disappear.
What did you do with Jesus?
Did you obey Him?
Did you reject Him?
Did you delay until it was too late?
Today is the time to answer rightly.
Not someday.
Not later.
Not after every excuse runs out.
Today.
Application.
Do not be Judas.
Do not sell Christ for sin.
Do not use religious words while hiding a corrupt heart.
Do not mistake regret for repentance.
Do not be Pilate.
Do not try to wash your hands of responsibility.
Do not fear the crowd more than God.
Do not know the truth and refuse to act on it.
Do not be the crowd.
Do not let others decide your soul.
Do not choose the world over Christ.
Do not reject the King because others reject Him.
See yourself in Barabbas.
You are guilty.
Christ is innocent.
Mercy is available because Jesus died.
Answer Pilate’s question today.
What will you do with Jesus?
What will you do with His gospel?
What will you do with His blood?
What will you do with His authority?
Conclusion.
Pilate asked, “Then what shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ?”
Judas had already answered by betrayal.
Pilate answered by cowardice.
The Jews answered by crucifixion.
Barabbas was released while Jesus was condemned.
Now you must answer.
You cannot avoid Christ.
You cannot wash your hands of Him.
You cannot follow the crowd and be innocent.
Christ was humble, but He is King.
He was crucified, but He is risen.
He was rejected, but He will judge.
He was mocked, but every knee will bow.
What will you do with Jesus who is called the Christ?
Reject Him?
Delay?
Betray Him?
Or obey Him?
Invitation.
Hear the word.
Romans 10:17 says faith comes from hearing the word of Christ.
Believe Christ.
John 8:24 teaches that those who refuse to believe in Him will die in their sins.
Repent.
Acts 17:30 says God commands all people everywhere to repent.
Confess Christ.
Romans 10:9–10 connects heart-faith and mouth-confession.
Be baptized for the remission of sins.
Acts 2:38 commands repentance and baptism in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins.
Live faithfully.
Revelation 2:10 calls the Christian to be faithful until death.
If you have turned away from Christ, come back.
Do not be Judas.
Do not be Pilate.
Do not be the crowd.
Come to the crucified and risen Christ today.
Word Study.
| Word | Original | Meaning | Use in Text |
|---|---|---|---|
| Teach | διδάσκω / didaskō | To teach, instruct. | Shows the work of transmitting truth to others. |
| Entrust | παρατίθημι / paratithēmi | To place before, commit, entrust. | Shows truth must be handed to faithful people. |
| Faithful | πιστός / pistos | Trustworthy, reliable, believing. | Identifies the kind of people who can carry the teaching forward. |
| Able | ἱκανός / hikanos | Sufficient, competent, able. | Shows teachers must be developed for usefulness. |
| Word | λόγος / logos | Word, message, account. | Identifies the content that must be taught. |
| Obedience | ὑπακοή / hypakoē | Submissive hearing, obedience. | Connects hearing God’s word with doing what He commands. |
|---|---|---|---| | Teach | διδάσκω / didaskō | To teach, instruct. | Shows the work of transmitting truth to others. | | Entrust | παρατίθημι / paratithēmi | To place before, commit, entrust. | Shows truth must be handed to faithful people. | | Faithful | πιστός / pistos | Trustworthy, reliable, believing. | Identifies the kind of people who can carry the teaching forward. | | Able | ἱκανός / hikanos | Sufficient, competent, able. | Shows teachers must be developed for usefulness. | | Word | λόγος / logos | Word, message, account. | Identifies the content that must be taught. | | Obedience | ὑπακοή / hypakoē | Submissive hearing, obedience. | Connects hearing God’s word with doing what He commands. |
Scripture Interlock Table.
| Testament | Reference | Original Context | Connection to Main Text | Doctrinal Use | Sermon / Teaching Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Old Testament | Genesis 1:1 | God is revealed as Creator. | Establishes God’s authority over man. | Shows that man answers to God. | Useful for grounding the lesson in divine authority. |
| Old Testament | Psalm 119:105 | God’s word guides His people. | Shows Scripture as the rule of faith and conduct. | Supports Bible-based application. | Useful for calling hearers back to the word. |
| Old Testament | Ecclesiastes 12:13–14 | Man’s whole duty is to fear God and keep His commandments. | Connects obedience with final accountability. | Supports the need to obey God. | Useful in conclusion and invitation. |
| New Testament | Matthew 7:21–23 | Jesus warns that not all religious people will enter the kingdom. | Shows the need to do the Father’s will. | Refutes empty profession. | Useful for pressing obedience. |
| New Testament | Romans 10:17 | Faith comes by hearing the word of Christ. | Shows how saving faith begins. | Supports the invitation. | Useful for gospel response. |
| New Testament | Acts 2:38 | Peter commands repentance and baptism for forgiveness of sins. | Shows the apostolic answer to convicted sinners. | Supports baptism for remission of sins. | Useful in invitation. |
| New Testament | Revelation 2:10 | Christians are called to be faithful until death. | Shows the need for endurance. | Supports faithful Christian living. | Useful for closing exhortation. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---| | Old Testament | Genesis 1:1 | God is revealed as Creator. | Establishes God’s authority over man. | Shows that man answers to God. | Useful for grounding the lesson in divine authority. | | Old Testament | Psalm 119:105 | God’s word guides His people. | Shows Scripture as the rule of faith and conduct. | Supports Bible-based application. | Useful for calling hearers back to the word. | | Old Testament | Ecclesiastes 12:13–14 | Man’s whole duty is to fear God and keep His commandments. | Connects obedience with final accountability. | Supports the need to obey God. | Useful in conclusion and invitation. | | New Testament | Matthew 7:21–23 | Jesus warns that not all religious people will enter the kingdom. | Shows the need to do the Father’s will. | Refutes empty profession. | Useful for pressing obedience. | | New Testament | Romans 10:17 | Faith comes by hearing the word of Christ. | Shows how saving faith begins. | Supports the invitation. | Useful for gospel response. | | New Testament | Acts 2:38 | Peter commands repentance and baptism for forgiveness of sins. | Shows the apostolic answer to convicted sinners. | Supports baptism for remission of sins. | Useful in invitation. | | New Testament | Revelation 2:10 | Christians are called to be faithful until death. | Shows the need for endurance. | Supports faithful Christian living. | Useful for closing exhortation. |
