Every day, we face the option of deciding which Jesus we prefer. I wish I could tell you I always want the right Jesus, but the truth is sometimes I ask for the wrong one.

While reading the gospel of Matthew, I came across something I hadn’t seen before.

“Now, it was the governor’s custom at the festival to release a prisoner chosen by the crowd. At that time, they had a well-known prisoner whose name was Jesus Barabbas. So, when the crowd had gathered, Pilate asked them, ‘Which one do you want me to release to you: Jesus Barabbas, or Jesus who is called the Messiah?’ ….Which of the two do you want me to release to you? Asked the governor. ‘Barabbas,’ they answered.” (Matthew 27 15-21)

Two Men

This account tells us that there are two men named Jesus – Barabbas and One who is the Messiah. Pilate asked a profound question. A question we face every day: Which Jesus will we choose?  Which one do we prefer? I wish I always desire the One who is called Messiah. Some days, like the crowd, I ask for Barabbas – the other Jesus. Give me Barabbas! Give me Barabbas!

Jesus Barabbas

Give me Barabbas!
Insurrection.
Rebellion.
Murder.
Darkness.
Selfish ambition.
Pride.
Self-promotion.
An undisturbed conscience.
Fellowship among the irreverent.
Give me Barabbas!

Please don’t give me Jesus, who is called the Messiah.
He disturbs my values.

Upsets my world.
He Challenges my lifestyle.
Quakes my equilibrium.
Calls me from comfort to sacrifice.
Pulls me from ease to pain.

Give me Barabbas!
I know he is the wrong one.
He doesn’t expect anything from me.
He wants to develop a subdivision in my soul.
Live there.
Hideout there.

Give me Barabbas!
Jesus, who is the Messiah, is too subversive.
His way is too costly.
His words are too hard.

Give me Barabbas!
Please give me my way, my selfish desires, and freedom from sacrifice.
Leave me to my own devices and vices.
I don’t want to change. But I need to change.
I don’t want Jesus, who is the Messiah. But I need Him.

Choose Jesus, the Messiah

I have spent way too much of my life choosing Barabbas. I am sure this is true of you as well. Today is a new day with a unique opportunity to choose Jesus, the One who is the Messiah. I commit to silencing, refusing and rejecting Barabbas. Today, I choose the One who became Barabbas and broke the grip of Barabbas. I prefer the One who forgives sins and sets people free. Today, I choose Jesus, who is called the Messiah. I invite you to place your trust in him as well.

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