Today we are reading Matthew 27. In this chapter we read about the death of Jesus. We will focus on the people 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?” 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 ESV “The people’s choice” is a common phrase to describe the will of the people. How tragic that the people chose to release Barabbas rather than Jesus. In spite of their horrible choice, the result was that Jesus died for us. His death paid our sin-debt. Now we are faced with another choice—Jesus or the world. Which do you choose? The only real choice is Jesus. The world cannot give us salvation and eternal life in Heaven. May God give you the faith to always choose Jesus. Pastor Tim
