|
|
Christian Indie Radio
GetChristianMusic
Solid Walnut Music
|
|
|
|
|
|
Devotionals
|
|
Cartoons
Culture
Family
Games
Health
Homeschooling
Humor
Inspiration
Kids
Men
Ministry
Parenting
Poetry
Teens
Women
|
|
Statement of Faith
Contact Us
|
|
|
|
Don't Ever Choose Barabbas
by Steve Troxel (Steve's bio)
[Note: If you'd like to read more from Steve, be sure to visit God's Daily Word.]
Send this page to a friend
The Jewish leaders had passed judgement on Jesus: "He is worthy of death!" (Matthew 26:66). However, Roman law required a sentence of death to be approved by the Roman Court. Therefore, Jesus was brought before the governor of the region around Jerusalem - Pontius Pilate.
Pilate was in a tough situation. He had talked with Jesus and could find nothing deserving the penalty of death: "I have examined Him in your presence and have found no basis for your charges against Him." (Luke 23:14). But Pilate was also under great pressure to keep the peace in the region; so he allowed the people of Jerusalem to make the final decision.
Matthew 27:17
"Which one do you want me to release to you: Barabbas, or Jesus who is called Christ?"
Barabbas was a convicted murderer - Jesus was the Son of God. The people loved Jesus when He was feeding them or healing their sick. Just a week earlier, the people of Jerusalem had spread their cloaks on the road in front of Him and shouted "Hosanna to the Son of David - Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!" (Matthew 21:9).
Unfortunately, when required to make a decision, the people chose Barabbas. "'What shall I do, then, with Jesus who is called Christ?' Pilate asked. They all answered, 'Crucify him!'" (Matthew 27:21-22).
The most common question asked along the Christian walk - more than any question on Spiritual doctrine - is how to get closer to God. Questions may come as an initial response to Salvation, or from someone who has wandered from the peace of God's presence. In either case, the answer is not found in any specific prayer or religious activity; the answer is found in our day-to-day and moment-by-moment choice to allow Jesus to be Lord and to follow where He leads.
Are we part of the crowd who's easily swayed or are we willing to stand firm in our faith? Is He a God of convenience, used only in emergencies, or is He truly LORD of our life? Many times, each and every day, we face the same decision as the people in front of Pilate - Jesus or Barabbas? - the ways of God or the ways of the world? - life or death? If we desire a life of closeness with God, given as a living sacrifice to bring Him glory and honor, we must choose wisely. As we face the multitude of daily decisions, don't ever choose Barabbas.
Copyright 2002, Steve Troxel. All Rights Reserved. Used by permission.
| About Steve Troxel: Steve Troxel is the President of God's Daily Word Ministries. Steve was trained as an Electrical Engineer and received his PhD in 1994. After working as a researcher in a laser laboratory for several years, Steve felt the call from God to leave his trained profession and enter into full-time ministry. His devotionals are now sent around the world via email as well as distributed in book format. More information about this ministry as will as a "sign-up" page can be found at: http://www.godsdailyword.org |
Send this page to a friend: