What does Matthew 27:11 mean?
After describing the end of Judas' tragic story (Matthew 27:3–10), Matthew returns to Jesus. He is standing before the Roman governor Pilate. Early in the morning, some of the chief priests brought Jesus, bound, to Pilate's headquarters in Jerusalem. They will not enter, so Pilate comes out to see what they want. He asks what accusation they have against Jesus and why they don't judge Him according to their own Jewish law. They respond that Roman law will not allow them to put Jesus to death (John 18:28–32).They tell Pilate, falsely, that Jesus has been misleading the Israelites and forbidding them from paying taxes to Caesar. They add that Jesus has been proclaiming Himself to be Christ, a king (Luke 23:2). The religious leaders are trying to come up with accusations that will convince Pilate that Jesus is a danger to Rome. One example is the issue of paying taxes. Jesus had famously replied to a trick question by saying the people should give to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, referring specifically to money (Matthew 22:15–22).
Jesus' enemies are closer to the truth in saying that He claims to be a king. He has stated that He is the Messiah. Jesus, though, has no interest in taking the throne of Israel or overthrowing the Romans. Matthew picks up the story as Pilate turns to Jesus and asks about this issue. Jesus gives the same answer He gave to the high priest: the equivalent of "you are the one who said it." His answer clearly means yes, though there's more to be said than what Jesus offers. John notes that Jesus' answer made it clear He was not seeking a political overthrow of Rome (John 18:36).
Paul referred to this as a significant moment of revelation. He called this Jesus' "good confession" before Pilate (1 Timothy 6:13), a moment Jesus revealed His identity to the Gentiles.
Matthew 27:11–26 describes Jesus' trial before the Roman governor, Pontius Pilate. The Jewish religious leaders are asking Pilate to condemn Jesus to death, hurling accusations. Pilate is amazed that Jesus remains silent, barely saying anything in His own defense. Pilate offers the Passover crowds the choice between releasing Jesus or releasing Barabbas. They choose Barabbas and call for Jesus to be crucified. Pilate recognizes the obvious feud driving this persecution; he is more concerned with civil order than with justice. He agrees to execute Jesus while claiming no responsibility for the decision. Further details are found in Mark 15:1–15, Luke 23:1–25, and John 18:28—19:16.
When Judas learns Jesus has been condemned, he regrets betraying the Lord. He throws down his ill-gotten money and hangs himself. Jesus is taken to Pilate, who finds nothing to charge Him with. Given the choice, the people shout for the release of a convicted murderer and insist on Jesus' death. Jesus is mocked by a battalion of soldiers and then taken to be crucified. On the cross, He is mocked for not being able to save Himself. After three hours of darkness, Jesus dies. He is buried by a rich follower in a new tomb. This location is tightly guarded to prevent anyone from stealing the body.