Matthew 27: Now at the feast the governor was accustomed to releasing to the multitude one prisoner whom they wished. 16 And at that time they had a notorious prisoner called Barabbas. 17 Therefore, when they had gathered together, Pilate said to them, “Whom do you want me to release to you? Barabbas, or Jesus who is called Christ?” 18 For he knew that they had handed Him over because of envy. 19 While he was sitting on the judgment seat, his wife sent to him, saying, “Have nothing to do with that just Man, for I have suffered many things today in a dream because of Him.” 20 But the chief priests and elders persuaded the multitudes that they should ask for Barabbas and destroy Jesus.

Matthew 27:15-25 “I am innocent of the blood of this just Person. You see to it.” “His blood be on us and on our children.” 21 The governor answered and said to them, “Which of the two do you want me to release to you?” They said, “Barabbas!” 22 Pilate said to them, “What then shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ?” They all said to him, “Let Him be crucified!” 23 Then the governor said, “Why, what evil has He done?” But they cried out all the more, saying, “Let Him be crucified!” 24 When Pilate saw that he could not prevail at all, but rather that a tumult was rising, he took water and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, “I am innocent of the blood of this just Person. You see to it.” 25 And all the people answered and said, “His blood be on us and on our children.”

Washing Our Hands of Christ’s Blood Have we attempted to wash our hands of His death?

Are we innocent of Christ’s Blood? We might not have… – Cried out “Let Him be crucified!” – Matt. 27:22 – Been among the guards who beat Him, mocked Him and scourged Him – Matt. 27:26-31 – Drove the nails into Jesus’ hands and feet on that day – John 19:17-24 – Walked by Him and blasphemed Him as He hung on the cross – Matt. 27:39-44 But it was OUR sin that hung Christ on the cross that day! – Rom. 3:21-26

Are we innocent of Christ’s Blood? Do we, as Christians, recognize our guilt? – When Christians observe the Lord’s supper in an unworthy manner, they are guilty – 1 Cor. 11:27-29 – When Christians fall away, they crucify for themselves anew the Son of God – Heb. 6:4-6 – When Christians sin willfully, they count the blood of His covenant a common thing – Heb. 10:26-29

Ways We Try To Wash Our Hands of Christ’s Blood Despite our guilt, we still try to “wash our hands” of Christ’s blood!!! We do this… – By our simple denial of Jesus – cf. Luke 23:8-11 – For money – Matt. 27:3-10 – By rejecting His words – Acts 5:28-32 (cf. Matt. 23:34-35) – By failing to obey His gospel – Acts 19:24-36; 24:24-26; 26:24-32; 13:44-46; 18:5-8 – By failing to proclaim His gospel – Acts 20:24

James 4:8 Cleanse your hands, you sinners “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners ; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.”