Choose Jesus Again
Pilate offered the crowd a choice between Jesus and Barabbas. They chose the guilty man and rejected the innocent Saviour. Their expectations had not been met, so their praise quickly became disappointment.
The choice between Jesus and Barabbas is more than a historical event. It is a spiritual mirror reflecting our hearts and priorities. Life repeatedly places us between what is right and what is easy, what is popular and what is true, what is trending and what is sacred. Most people do not naturally pursue truth at any cost. We are tempted to choose whatever promises immediate happiness or the least resistance, forgetting that what feels good today may bring sorrow tomorrow.
Several voices surrounded Pilate. His wife warned him not to condemn a just man. The religious leaders stirred rebellion. The crowd applied pressure. Pilate’s conscience told him Jesus was innocent, yet fear of rejection prevailed. Luke records that the voices demanding crucifixion became insistent and eventually “prevailed” (Luke 23:23). Which voice will prevail in us: Scripture, conscience, the Holy Spirit, the crowd, or the desires of our flesh?
Pilate tried to wash his hands, but avoiding a decision was itself a decision. Every day presents a courtroom of choices. Our thoughts become verdicts and our actions cast votes. We may not hear a crowd literally shouting, “Release Barabbas”, but whenever we choose compromise, approval, convenience or sin over obedience, we repeat the same pattern.
The gospel also invites us to see ourselves in Barabbas. He was guilty, imprisoned and awaiting death. Then the door opened and he heard the astonishing announcement: “You are free. Jesus will die instead of you.” Barabbas did not earn his release. Grace happened.
We were Barabbas. Sin had made us guilty and its wages were death, but Jesus took our place. “He hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him” (2 Corinthians 5:21). He took our sin and we received His righteousness. He was wounded for our transgressions and bruised for our iniquities. My sin may be great but His sacrifice is greater.
This grace excludes no one. Addiction may be strong but the cross is stronger. A past may be dark but the blood of Jesus still reaches. Even those who participated in the crucifixion were offered mercy. On the Day of Pentecost, Peter told those convicted hearers to repent, be baptised in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and receive the gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38). About three thousand gladly received the Word and were baptised.
We also face moments when God does not act as we expected. The crowd had welcomed Jesus days earlier, but when He did not become the kind of Messiah they imagined, disappointment made Barabbas seem preferable. We must be careful not to exchange the true Jesus for something easier simply because His way challenges our expectations.
In those moments we must choose Jesus again. Trusting Him when we do not understand deepens our discipleship and strengthens our witness. People are watching how we respond to unanswered questions, delays, pressure and pain.
A faith that only works when life is easy will not lead others very far. But a believer who continues to worship, love, obey and serve through disappointment becomes a powerful testimony. We may not understand His path but we know His character. His ways are higher, His love is certain, and His purpose is still at work.
The next time life presents a Jesus-or-Barabbas moment, choose the One who chose you first. Choose truth over popularity, obedience over convenience and the cross over self-preservation. Choose Jesus today, and choose Him again tomorrow.
TODAY’S RESPONSE
Name one disappointment you need to place in God’s hands. Choose one act of faithfulness instead of withdrawing.
PRAYER
Lord Jesus, I choose You again today. Forgive me for the times disappointment has weakened my trust. Help me remain faithful and let my response point others towards Your goodness. In Jesus’ name, amen.