An Eternally Wrong Choice
“Therefore when they were gathered together, Pilate said unto them, Whom will ye that I release unto you?Barabbas, or Jesus which is called Christ?” Matthew 27.17
During the illegal trial of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, the unruly mob was offered a choice. Led by a pompously unrighteous group of religious leaders and empowered by a polytheistic state which believed in every possible god, yet they denied the One true God; the most infamous trial in the history of the world moved on.
Some would suggest that Pilate was more or less an uninterested bystander; however, when a decision is placed before anyone concerning his opinion of the Son of God, there are neither bystanders nor innocent observers. In an attempt to wash away his personal guilt, Pilate had listened to his wife and had tried to rid himself of his personal culpability in the legalized crime soon to be perpetrated on God’s Son. (Matthew 27.24)
No amount of soap and water could remove Pilate’s part in this dastardly scheme. Yet, he attempted, in vain, to offer to the raucous crowd a choice which would remove him from the process.
Enter Barabbas.
Each of the Gospel records mention him (Matthew 12.15-26; Mark 15.6-15; Luke 23.16-25; John 18.39, 40), and Peter also mentions him in his sermon preached in the Temple portico. (Acts3.14)
Matthew reports that Barabbas was a “notable” prisoner indicating that he was “notorious” and quite well-known. It’s a bit difficult to see which side of the coin he represented, but it seems from the narrative that he was more of a gang member who, along with others, caused havoc in the societal norms. Barabbas was in prison for robbery, sedition and murder. (Luke 23.19; John 18.40)
While Pilate hoped the mob would choose Jesus over this famous rebel (Luke 23.20), the mob was relentless and demanded Barabbas’ release and Jesus’ crucifixion. Pilate even offered to “chastise” Jesus using a scourge in order to retrain Jesus’ thinking.* The Roman chastening would have been well-known to the rioters; however, they had whipped themselves into such a frenzy that they would rather see an innocent man suffer and a guilty man go free.
Similarly, those without Christ have opportunity to choose the Savior and have the “old man” crucified (Galatians 2.20) and enjoy freedom purchased by our Savior’s sufferings. (I Peter 2.24) Followers of Christ also have the option of dying to self (I Corinthians 15.31) -daily crucifying the “old man” and surrendering to Christ.
A choice to follow Christ is never a wrong choice. And, a choice to follow the world is always a bad choice. Today, as you hear His word, harden not your hearts, but surrender to the Savior who loves you more than you can understand.
* (“paideúōto” – chastise or castigate with words; to correct {a word generally used of training children, especially in religious things} it was also used to suggest “brain-washing” someone in order to bring them into alignment with religious teachings – especially in cultist applications.) Copyright © 2025 Dr. John H. Hill, All rights reserved.
http://www.lulu.com/spotlight/
FaceBook page: facebook.com/groups/
Website: firstemmanuelbaptistchurch.comYouTube: https://youtube.com/@firstemmanuelbaptistchurch?si=bqoLMLz6UMC_-9no