We Chose Barabbas

One of the more powerful, yet sometimes forgotten scenes of Jesus' crucifixion is the opportunity Pontius Pilate gave for His life to be saved. As was customary during the time of Passover, Roman law allowed for the release of a prisoner and gave the people a choice. The account of Barabbas being chosen by the people of Jesus is recorded in all four gospels (Matthew 27:15-26, Mark 15:6-15, Luke 23:18-24 and John 18:40). This very fact should tell us two things: the story is true and the story is important.

Looking at the account recorded by Matthew, we read were Pilate's wife came to him over a dream she had. From that dream, Claudia told Pilate he should have nothing to do with Jesus. Subsequently, both Jesus and another prisoner were brought forth in front of the religious leaders and crowd of people. Barabbas was a known criminal with a lengthy record of robbery, disorderly conduct and murder. Jesus, on the other hand, had done no wrong according to Pilate (verse 23). Still, the people chose to save Barabbas and crucify Jesus. Even more incredible, they were given multiple chances to change their mind and release Jesus instead. Like many, they chose the world over the Living Word.

I believe verse 25 carries an extremely powerful and, perhaps, controversial message, And all the people answered and said, “His blood be on us and on our children.” Because of this passage, many have laid the blame for Jesus' death on the Jewish nation. The power of sin is not bound to just one person, ethnicity or people. The Bible tells us that all have fallen short. As Christians, we do believe that the redemptive blood of Jesus is upon us and without it there can be no remission of sin.

In a lost and dying world, we still continue to see people choosing sin over salvation. Just as the religious leaders whispered in the ears of the people, so too does the enemy continue to whisper in our ears that it should be our way, our will and our fear when decisions are being made.

Who do you choose today?

Pastor Aaron