Because of Him

Text: Matthew 27:15-19

“Now it was the governor’s custom at the festival to release a prisoner chosen by the crowd. At that time they had a well-known prisoner whose name was Jesus Barabbas. So when the crowd had gathered, Pilate asked them, ‘Which one do you want me to release to you: Jesus Barabbas, or Jesus who is called the Messiah?’ For he knew it was out of self-interest that they had handed Jesus over to him. While Pilate was sitting on the judge’s seat, his wife sent him this message: ‘Don’t have anything to do with that innocent man, for I have suffered a great deal today in a dream because of him.’”

Pilate’s wife was troubled about Jesus in a dream. She tried to warn Pilate, but he heeded the cry of the crowd. Who is the one who troubled Pilate’s wife? This question invites us to explore the   identity and mission of Jesus Christ. From Genesis to Revelation, the Scriptures reveal various facets of Jesus’ character and role in God’s redemptive plan. Let’s delve into six   aspects of who Jesus is, as prophesied and fulfilled in the Bible, to understand why He troubled Pilate’s wife and continues to impact lives today.

I. The Seed of the Woman

Genesis 3:15 states, “And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.” This verse, often called the Protoevangelium or “first gospel,” is the earliest prophecy of the coming Messiah. Jesus is the “seed of the woman” who would ultimately crush the serpent’s head, signifying the defeat of Satan and the redemption of humanity. This prophecy sets the stage for the entire biblical narrative, highlighting Jesus as the one who would undo the curse brought by sin.

Understanding Jesus as the seed of the woman helps us see the continuity of God’s redemptive plan from the very beginning. It is a reminder that God, in His infinite wisdom, had a plan for salvation even before the fall of man. Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection fulfill this ancient promise, demonstrating God’s faithfulness. As Matthew Henry commented, “Christ is the seed here referred to, who was to break the serpent’s head, to destroy the devil and all his works.” This identity as the promised deliverer troubled Pilate’s wife, for in her dream, she glimpsed the significance of this innocent man standing trial. The prophecy of Genesis finds its fulfillment in Christ, offering hope and restoration to all who believe.

II. The Scapegoat

Leviticus 16:8 describes the ritual of the Day of Atonement, where Aaron would cast lots over two goats: “And Aaron shall cast lots upon the two goats; one lot for the Lord, and the other lot for the scapegoat.” The scapegoat, bearing the sins of the people, was sent away into the wilderness, symbolically removing their sins. Jesus, our ultimate scapegoat, took upon Himself the sins of the world and bore them away, offering atonement and reconciliation with God. This Old Testament ritual foreshadows Christ’s sacrificial death on the cross.

In recognizing Jesus as the scapegoat, we understand the depth of His sacrifice. He carried our burdens, sins, and guilt, freeing us from condemnation. This imagery is powerful and poignant, illustrating the   love and mercy of God. John Owen eloquently stated, “Christ alone is the full and complete expiation of our sins, both as a propitiation and as a scapegoat.” Pilate’s wife’s dream and subsequent message to her husband reflect an awareness of this   truth. The innocence of Jesus, juxtaposed with the guilt He bore on our behalf, makes His trial and crucifixion deeply significant. His role as the scapegoat emphasizes the extent of His love and the completeness of His atonement.

III. The Stronghold in the Day of Trouble

Nahum 1:7 proclaims, “The Lord is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knows them that trust in him.” Jesus embodies this stronghold, offering refuge and strength in times of distress. Throughout His ministry, Jesus demonstrated His ability to calm storms, heal the sick, and cast out demons, showing that He is indeed a mighty fortress for those who seek Him. In times of trouble, we can turn to Jesus, knowing that He is our protector and deliverer.

Understanding Jesus as our stronghold offers comfort and assurance in life’s uncertainties. He is our safe place, our defender against the trials and tribulations we face. This aspect of Jesus’ character troubled Pilate’s wife, as she likely sensed the divine authority and protection embodied in Him. Charles Spurgeon captured this beautifully, saying, “The Lord’s goodness is the life of our confidence; it sustains us in the darkest day.” Jesus’ presence provides peace and security, reassuring us that no matter the circumstances, He is with us, guarding and guiding us through every storm.

IV. The Stone Cut Out Without Hands

Daniel 2:34 describes a vision given to King Nebuchadnezzar, interpreted by Daniel: “Thou sawest till that a stone was cut out without hands, which smote the image upon his feet that were of iron and clay, and brake them to pieces.” This stone represents the kingdom of God, inaugurated by Jesus, which will ultimately triumph over all earthly kingdoms. Jesus, the cornerstone, establishes a kingdom that cannot be shaken, one that grows and fills the whole earth.

Seeing Jesus as the stone cut out without hands reveals His divine origin and sovereign power. His kingdom, unlike any earthly realm, is eternal and unassailable. Matthew Henry commented, “Christ is the little stone which became a great mountain and filled the whole earth, His kingdom enduring and conquering all opposition.” Pilate’s wife’s dream may have been a divine revelation of this unshakable kingdom. Her warning to Pilate underscores the magnitude of Jesus’ mission and the futility of opposing God’s anointed one. This stone not only represents judgment but also the hope and permanence of God’s kingdom, which offers eternal security to those who belong to it.

V. The Shepherd of Our Souls

In John 10:11, Jesus declares, “I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.” This metaphor portrays Jesus as the caring and sacrificial shepherd who knows His sheep intimately and protects them at all costs. The imagery of a shepherd was deeply ingrained in the cultural and religious life of Israel, symbolizing leadership, provision, and protection.

Understanding Jesus as the shepherd of our souls provides a   sense of care and guidance. He is not a distant or indifferent ruler but a loving and personal guardian who leads us to green pastures and still waters. Augustine noted, “He then who is the good shepherd, sought the sheep which was lost, and laid down His life for the sheep.” Pilate’s wife, in her dream, likely perceived the purity and righteousness of this good shepherd, prompting her to intervene. The shepherd’s willingness to lay down His life for the sheep illustrates the depth of His love and commitment to us. It reassures us that in Jesus, we find a faithful and compassionate leader who cares for us deeply and sacrificially.

VI. The Sufferer Who Died for Us

1 Peter 3:18 states, “For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit.” This verse encapsulates the core of the Gospel: Jesus, the sinless one, suffered and died for the sins of humanity, offering us reconciliation with God. His suffering was not in vain but purposeful, bridging the gap between God and man.

Recognizing Jesus as the sufferer who died for us highlights the immense cost of our salvation. His sacrifice was the ultimate act of love, providing a way for us to be brought back into fellowship with God. As theologian John Stott remarked, “The essence of sin is man substituting himself for God, while the essence of salvation is God substituting himself for man.” Pilate’s wife’s dream and subsequent plea to her husband emphasize the gravity of Jesus’ mission. Her distress reflects an awareness of the innocent suffering that Jesus endured on our behalf. His death and resurrection are the foundation of our faith, assuring us that through His suffering, we are made whole and brought near to God.

In conclusion, the identity and mission of Jesus troubled Pilate’s wife and continue to impact us   today. From the seed of the woman to the shepherd of our souls, Jesus embodies God’s redemptive plan. His sacrificial love, fulfilled prophecies, and eternal kingdom invite us to trust in Him fully. May we, like Pilate’s wife, recognize the significance of Jesus and respond with faith and reverence, acknowledging that because of Him, we have hope, salvation, and eternal life.