Bible moment
The Bible moment
Luke 23:18–25 records that the crowd called for Jesus to be taken away and for Barabbas to be released. Pilate repeatedly sought to release Jesus and said a third time that he had found no crime deserving death. The chief priests and rulers were among those pressing the matter, while the crowd’s voices prevailed. Pilate released Barabbas and handed Jesus over to their will. Barabbas is identified in Luke as imprisoned for insurrection and murder. This passage ends before the crucifixion. The account describes the actions of this particular crowd and these leaders, not all Jewish people.
Look closely
What children can notice
At Pilate’s headquarters, Pilate stands between the gathered crowd and Jesus while the crowd calls for Barabbas to be released. Barabbas may be represented at a distance or by an indicated prison area, while Jesus is shown being handed over without depicting the later crucifixion.
Talk together
Talk about it
- What did Pilate say about Jesus’ guilt?
- How did Jesus show courage in this moment?
For families, church, and class
Use this page
Use this page with older children when teaching Luke 22:47–23:25. Read the passage first, then explain the scene carefully and without graphic detail. Identify the particular crowd, chief priests, and rulers described by Luke; do not blame all Jewish people. Invite children to discuss courage, fairness, and pressure to make wrong choices.
Source note
From this passage
Luke 23:18–25 · Arrest and Trial in Luke
At Pilate’s headquarters, Pilate stands between the gathered crowd and Jesus while the crowd calls for Barabbas to be released. Barabbas may be represented at a distance or by an indicated prison area, while Jesus is shown being handed over without depicting the later crucifixion.
