Choosing Barabbas

“Now at the feast the governor was accustomed to release for the crowd any one prisoner whom they wanted. And they had then a notorious prisoner called Barabbas. So when they had gathered, Pilate said to them, “Whom do you want me to release for you: Barabbas, or Jesus who is called Christ?”” Matthew‬ ‭27:15-17‬ ‭ESV‬‬

All four of the gospels recount the story of Barabbas in various detail. He was said to be a notorious prisoner; a murderer. It was custom to release one prisoner at the feast. So there Jesus and Barabbas stood awaiting the people to make their choice. Jesus is almighty and powerful. God he knew what would happen and that it must for the salvation of mankind, but I can’t help to think how his humanity must have felt. Standing beside Barabbas, in front of an angry mob with the chief priests and elders lurking about to accomplish their will. The mob chose Barabbas. The account in Matthew says that the governor asked them twice, I am sure in somewhat disbelief that the crowd would choose a murderer over a miracle worker.

As I was reading this story it pricked my heart. What pain he must have felt when they chose Barabbas. A confirmation that He must die for a people so desperately in need of a Savior. A people so consumed with pride, greed and their own humanity that they sent the Savior to the cross. “Let him be crucified!” They cried.

It’s hard to imagine standing in that crowd and shouting those words. It’s hard to imagine being a part of that vote. And while we will never be put in a situation quite like that we are often put in situations where we must choose Jesus. Daily we must take up our cross and follow Him. In doing that we must deny our flesh, deny the crowds and chose our Savior.

Choosing Jesus isn’t always easy. Following his word is no longer a part of the norm, but quite the opposite. Standing up for things that are right and holy will often be faced with criticism and persecution, yet we are called to choose Jesus.

As we journey through this Easter week there will more than likely be opportunities to chose our own Barabbas. Will we follow the crowds and choose our sinful flesh or choose Jesus?