In Matthew 28:18-20, Jesus was letting His disciples know what He expected of them from that day forward. Every believer is called to discipleship.
•  Teach - means to make a disciple who in turn will be able to teach others. This involves going to all nations. It includes mentoring, training, and developing mature disciples. The concern goes beyond their salvation. There is a need for someone to shepherd these new believers with faithful leadership and guidance, coming alongside to strengthen them, and causing them to grow in Biblical truth.
•  Baptize - The Greek word baptizo means to immerse. Baptism does not save or give one grace. It is a public step of obedience of our personal testimony and statement of our faith in Jesus Christ. Romans 6:4: “Therefore, we are buried with Him by baptism into death: that like Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.”

Many have experienced the grief and sorrow of watching someone die. We long to just get through the day of funeral events. The women that followed Jesus experienced this as they watched Him suffer, die, and be buried. The religious leaders were anxious to get things done quickly, because they were concerned that Jesus had said He would rise again after three days. They wanted Pilate to command the tomb be guarded and sealed preventing the disciples from coming at night to steal the body, and saying, He is risen from the dead. Guards were put in place, a stone was rolled in place, and the tomb was sealed. This seal had the stamp of the Emperor upon it. It was a violation of Roman Law to break this seal and doing so meant the death penalty without any appeal. What was it like to just get through the day?

Isaiah 53 is related and interconnected with Matthew 27:26-60. What do the prophets and the Torah say about the Messiah? Is Jesus really who He says He is? Is He God and the long-awaited Jewish Messiah? If not, Jesus wasted His time and His life. Throughout the New Testament, there are references to the Scriptures being fulfilled, which refers back to the words of the prophets.

In Matthew 27:11-14, Jesus was being questioned by the governor. “Art thou the King of the Jews?” Jesus answered: “Thou sayest,” which meant “Yes, I am the King of the Jews.” When he was accused by the chief priests and elders, He refused to answer. Pilate was amazed, “Hearest thou not how many things they witness against thee?” Pilate later posted on Jesus’ cross: “This is Jesus the King of the Jews” (verse 37).
During the time of feast, there was a practice of freeing a prisoner of the people’s choice. In Pilot’s attempt to please and appease the crowd, he offered them Barabbas. Pilate knew from the religious leaders that there was a power struggle. They had trumped up charges and produced false witnesses against Jesus. Pilot was trying to give them a way out by offering them Barabbas.
•  The crowd chose Barabbas in order to gain the world’s favor. Even though Barabbas was a known insurrectionist, murderer, thief, and liar, they wanted the approval of the religious leaders (verse 20). The leaders encouraged the crowd to choose Barabbas and destroy Jesus. How often do we choose things to make others happy, or to seek acceptance and approval by going places and doing things we know we should not? How often do we get caught up in the world’s philosophy for approval?
•  The crowd chose Barabbas in order to appear intelligent. The priests were the educated ones, and they wanted Barabbas released, so the crowd went along with them. When Pilot asked them who they wanted released, they said, Barabbas (verse 21). They wanted Jesus crucified (verses 22-23). When Pilot saw he could not prevail, he washed his hands and said: “I am innocent of the blood of this just person: see ye to it” (verse 24). How often do we reason out our irrational behavior, justify what does not make sense, and even continue in our sinful habits?
•  The crowd chose Barabbas in order to follow the savior of their own choosing. In verses 25-26, the people said: “His blood be on us, and our children.” Then Pilot released Barabbas to them. They could choose Barabbas without making a commitment, but following Jesus would require a sacrifice and commitment. Barabbas in Aramaic means the father’s son. This is in contrast to Jesus, God the Father’s Son. Who will you choose: Barabbas, the false savior, or Jesus, the true Savior?

Because of Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection for our justification, the way to true redemption is available for all. Romans 10:9-10: “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.”

The Characteristics of Satan’s Attack (Matthew 26:47-56).
Jesus, knowing He would soon be betrayed, left the Garden with some of His disciples where He had been praying. Judas, along with a great armed multitude of Roman soldiers, chief priests, and elders approached them (verse 47). They used the cover of a mob to attempt to arrest Jesus as he prayed. Bullies often attack as a group to beat up or intimidate.