Rejection and Rejoicing

Rejection and Rejoicing describes the different reactions to Pilate’s offer to release either Jesus or Barabbas. Brian explains.

Jesus and Barabbas

Today’s scripture in Mark 15 describes Pilate’s offer to release Jesus or Barabbas.

“Now at the feast (Pilate) used to release for them one prisoner for whom they asked. And among the rebels in prison, who had committed murder in the insurrection, there was a man called Barabbas. And (Pilate) answered them saying ‘Do you want me to release for you the king of the Jews?’ But the chief priests stirred up the crowd to have him release for them Barabbas instead. And Pilate again said to them, “Then what shall I do with the man you call king of the Jews?” And they cried out again, “Crucify him.” And Pilate said to them, “Why, what evil has he done?” But they shouted all the more, “Crucify him.”  So, Pilate, wishing to satisfy the crowd, released for them Barabbas, and having scourged Jesus, he delivered him to be crucified.”

Mark 15:6-7, 9, 11-15

Pilate Turns Jesus’ Fate Over to the Crowd

Pilate turns the fate of Jesus over to the crowd. They have to choose to release Jesus, don’t they? He has walked among them, eaten in their homes. He has healed their sick, raised the dead. He has taught them with an authority that the religious leaders do not have. Surely, they won’t listen to those leaders now, shouting in their ears to crucify Jesus. Pilate has been trying to make it impossible for the mob to refuse mercy. But they do refuse.

They Want Crucifixion

In fact, they want worse for Jesus: Crucifixion. Instead of Jesus, the mob chooses to free a major criminal. The New English Bible gives his full name as,

“Jesus Barabbas – Jesus, son of the father”.

Matthew 27:16

The crowd chooses Jesus Bar-Abbas rather than Jesus Bar-Joseph, the real Son of the Heavenly Father. He is a fierce terrorist who uses violence and murder. Peter later scorches the crowd with this reminder:

“But you denied the Holy and Righteous One and asked for a murderer to be granted to you.”

(Acts 3:14)

Is There a Positive Takeaway?

What positive takeaway can we find in these horrible scenes? Jesus’ bravery in these trials gives us a unique combination:

He shows us the real suffering Christians can expect but also the realistic hope for joy and courage by his strength.

Christians can expect rejection. Rejection by religious people because if Christ lives out in us, it will show them the emptiness of religion without Jesus. Rejection by popular opinion. There is always going to be a general popular opinion, and that opinion will almost never be in favor of Jesus and those who follow his teaching.

Rejection Around the World

In 1st world countries like the USA and Canada, we are more likely to face silent, sneering rejection than physical violence. The snide look, the turn away, and you are written off, not even worth attention. In 3rd World countries where atheism or militant religion dominate, they are more likely to face savagery and not a bit of indifference. They won’t be dismissed but destroyed, if possible.

If all this has begun to depress or dishearten you, grab this takeaway from Peter – That’s right, Peter. God rescued him right out of his doubt and showed him not only what is realistic, but also what is possible.

“Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed.”

1 Peter 4:12-13

That’s how the early Christians felt. After they were beaten, they

“rejoiced that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name (of Jesus).”

Acts 5:41

There is only one thing that can make me that brave: Looking at the Jesus who had joy in the worst suffering.

“Looking unto Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him, endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.”

Hebrews 12:2

Dear God, May I be honored to speak Jesus’ name and be joyful if I suffer for him. In Jesus’ name and by his strength, Amen.

Have you experienced persecution? What did you do?  Contact us at HopeStreamRadio,  or comment below.