The Custom of the Feast refers to a practice mentioned in the New Testament, specifically during the time of Jesus' trial before His crucifixion. This custom involved the release of a prisoner by the Roman governor to the Jewish people during the Passover festival. The practice is documented in all four Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.

Biblical References:

1. Matthew 27:15-26: "Now it was the governor’s custom at the feast to release to the crowd a prisoner of their choosing" (Matthew 27:15). In this passage, Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor, offers the crowd a choice between releasing Jesus or Barabbas, a notorious prisoner. The crowd chooses Barabbas, leading to Jesus' crucifixion.

2. Mark 15:6-15: "Now it was Pilate’s custom at the feast to release to the people a prisoner of their choosing" (Mark 15:6). Similar to Matthew, Mark recounts the choice given to the crowd, emphasizing the influence of the chief priests in swaying the crowd to demand Barabbas' release.

3. Luke 23:17-25: Although some manuscripts include a verse similar to Matthew and Mark, the Berean Standard Bible does not contain Luke 23:17. However, the narrative continues with Pilate's attempt to release Jesus, only to be met with the crowd's insistence on freeing Barabbas.

4. John 18:39-40: "But it is your custom that I release to you one prisoner at the Passover. So do you want me to release to you the King of the Jews?" (John 18:39). John's account highlights Pilate's attempt to release Jesus, referred to as "the King of the Jews," but the crowd demands Barabbas instead.

Historical and Cultural Context:

The Custom of the Feast likely originated as a gesture of goodwill from the Roman authorities to the Jewish populace, allowing them to partake in a decision during their significant religious festival, Passover. This practice may have been intended to maintain peace and order in a region known for its volatile relationship with Roman rule.

The choice between Jesus and Barabbas is significant in the Gospel narratives, illustrating the rejection of Jesus by His own people and the fulfillment of prophetic scriptures regarding the Messiah's suffering and rejection. Barabbas, whose name means "son of the father," serves as a stark contrast to Jesus, the true Son of the Father, highlighting the irony and tragedy of the crowd's choice.

Theological Implications:

From a theological perspective, the Custom of the Feast underscores themes of justice, mercy, and substitution. Jesus, the innocent, is condemned, while Barabbas, the guilty, is set free. This event prefigures the substitutionary atonement of Christ, where He takes the place of sinners, bearing the punishment they deserve. The crowd's choice reflects humanity's tendency to reject God's offer of salvation, choosing instead the ways of the world.

The Custom of the Feast also serves as a reminder of the sovereignty of God, who orchestrates events according to His divine plan. Despite human actions and decisions, God's purposes prevail, culminating in the redemptive work of Christ on the cross.