Choose Wisely: Crucifying Jesus, Releasing Barabbas

When we read about the crowd of people who chose crucifying Jesus over Barabbas, it’s easy to wonder what they were thinking! But if we put other things first in our lives, are we choosing the criminals that keep us away from God, instead of drawing close to Him?

Crucifying Jesus, Releasing Barabbas

Matthew 27:15-23 says,

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?’ For he knew that it was out of envy that they had delivered him up.  Besides, while he was sitting on the judgment seat, his wife sent word to him, ‘Have nothing to do with that righteous man, for I have suffered much because of him today in a dream.’ Now the chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowd to ask for Barabbas and destroy Jesus. The governor again said to them, ‘Which of the two do you want me to release for you?’ And they said, ‘Barabbas.’ Pilate said to them, ‘Then what shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ?’ They all said, ‘Let him be crucified!’ And he said, ‘Why, what evil has he done?’ But they shouted all the more, ‘Let him be crucified!’

Matthew 27:15-23

Those of us who are familiar with this portion of scripture find it hard to believe that the crowds could possibly call for the release of the notorious criminal Barabbas and for the crucifixion of the One who fed the hungry, opened the eyes of the blind, and raised the dead. But they did.

Yes, the chief priests and elders goaded them on and mob mentality is a very powerful thing—but still!

It would be easy for me to sit in judgment and rant about the need to turn a deaf ear to those who coax us to do what we know is wrong (and that would be good advice), but when I read this passage a few days ago, I was challenged like never before. (That’s one of the amazing things about God’s Word: no matter how many times you read it, there is always something new to learn—and apply.)

What Were They Thinking?

As I was figuratively scratching my head as to what was going through the minds of those in the crowd, I had to ask the same question of myself: “What were you thinking?”

What am I thinking when I don’t read God’s Word any given day?

What am I thinking when I don’t set aside time to go to the Lord in prayer?

What am I thinking when I allow my To Do list to get so long that there’s no room to have a quiet time, a time devoted exclusively to drawing close to my Saviour?

What am I thinking when I rationalize that God will understand if I watch a TV show before bed instead of spending time with Him?

What am I thinking if I put “devotional time with Dave and Sarah” on each week’s list of things to do—but rarely, if ever, take the time to read the Bible and pray with them?

Have I released Barabbas, so to speak, and crucified my time with God? Now that was a convicting question to put down in black and white!

Crucifying Jesus Gave Us Salvation

Before we go any further, I want to remind you that God is gracious and patient.

Romans 8:1 says,

There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.

Romans 8:1

If you are a believer in Jesus Christ, you need not go through life burdened down by guilt and discouragement.

We are free from the burden of our sin because Jesus took the penalty upon Himself. But we are free to live the life He calls us to—not free to live however we choose.

Freeing The Criminals

Now that I have come face to face with this new perspective on the story of Barabbas and the crowd who called for his freedom, I am responsible to live according to my new understanding. And much to my relief, I do not have to do so in my own strength.

Because of the indwelling Holy Spirit who revealed these truths to me, I have God’s power to enable me to walk in the light of understanding.

Will I stumble from time to time? I guarantee it.

Will the Lord pick me up, brush me off, and enable me to do better? I am 100 percent certain of it.

How about you? Are you freeing the criminals in your life that keep you from drawing close to God? Remember, those things I’ve labelled “criminals” are not necessarily bad. Some of them are good, even necessary. But does the Saviour, the Redeemer, the Lord, have the #1 spot in your life? I must ask myself the same thing—repeatedly.

What do you think is the best way to grow closer to God? We would love to hear from you. Comment below or contact us at HopeStreamRadio.