Jesus or Barabbas: The Choice That Changed History

 “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?’”

Matthew 27:17

Dear Friends,

A trained eye recognizes value. Unfortunately, an untrained eye often lacks the discernment needed to make wise choices. Sometimes we learn from our mistakes. Other times, those mistakes lead to devastating consequences.

My nearly twenty years in the auction business have taught me to recognize the worth of many items. Some things grow in value over time, while others lose their appeal. An item that once sold for a good price may later be worth next to nothing, depending on the market.

When Emotions Cloud Discernment

While I’ve developed a good eye for antiques, there are other areas where I’m far less savvy.

Take art, for example. I enjoy beauty and appreciate lovely paintings, but I’m no art aficionado. My judgments are often based on emotion – what I like or dislike – rather than true knowledge of skill or artistry.

But I’ve learned that emotional decisions aren’t always wise ones. Once, I had to choose between two similar paintings. I kept one and discarded the other, only to find out later that I had made a costly mistake. The one I kept was a worthless paint-by-number; the one I sold at a garage sale was a valuable work of art. That lapse in judgment still stings.

Pilate’s Dilemma and a Wife’s Warning

In the Gospel of Matthew, we read about an even greater misjudgment, a decision with eternal consequences. When given the choice to release either a notorious prisoner or the sinless Son of God, the people chose wrong.

As Jesus stood before Pilate, He remained silent in the face of false accusations. Pilate was amazed and unsure how to proceed. He found no reason to sentence Jesus to death, but he feared upsetting the religious leaders who had brought Him there.

So Pilate devised a plan. During the annual Passover feast it was customary to release one prisoner. He would let the crowd decide. Surely they would choose the one who healed, loved, and spoke truth instead of a known murderer.

But Pilate underestimated their hatred. The religious leaders stirred up the crowd, persuading them to choose Barabbas. When Pilate asked what evil Jesus had done, the crowd ignored the question and shouted louder: “Crucify Him!”

Even a warning from Pilate’s wife, who had suffered in a dream because of Jesus, wasn’t enough to change the outcome. Rather than stand for justice, Pilate gave in to pressure. He released Barabbas, had Jesus scourged, and sentenced Him to crucifixion.

Misjudging Two Men: Barabbas and Jesus

Two men stood before them, but no one valued them correctly. The chief priests acted out of envy. The crowd followed bad advice. Pilate ignored truth and gave in to fear. And Jesus, the innocent Lamb of God, was condemned.

Did they really understand what they were doing?

God’s Greater Plan Revealed

Yet even in this injustice, God was at work. Jesus’ death and resurrection would ultimately reveal His immeasurable worth. Because He humbled Himself and was obedient to death, even death on a cross, God exalted Him and gave Him the name above every name. One day every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord (Philippians 2:8–11).

Who Do You Value Most? The Choice Is Yours

What or who do you value?

Think carefully. Everyone – Barabbas, Pilate, the religious leaders, and the crowd . . . and you and I – will one day bow before Jesus.

Why not recognize His worth and choose Him now?

Love,

Mama