Choosing Jesus

"Therefore, when they had gathered together, Pilate said to them, 'Whom do you want me to release to you? Barabbas, or Jesus who is called Christ?' For he knew that they had handed Him over because of envy. ... But the chief priests and elders persuaded the multitudes that they should ask for Barabbas and destroy Jesus. The governor answered and said to them, 'Which of the two do you want me to release to you?' They said, 'Barabbas!' Pilate said to them, 'What then shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ?' They all said to him, 'Let Him be crucified!' - Matthew 27:17-18, 20-22

What a contrast - Jesus and Barabbas. I understand that the Cross was the only way for the salvation of mankind.  I get that - don't fully grasp it - or maybe like Peter - I would have preferred another way. Rather than the innocent taking the place of the guilty. The One who did not deserve punishment taking the place of the one who did.

Wait a minute, am I talking about Barabbas or me? Both actually. 

"For there is no difference; for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" - Romans 3:23

I was thinking about the spiritual dynamic as these people were given a choice. We read about Jesus triumphant entry, but we don't really know if these were the same people who cried out "crucify Him" that stood along the roadside crying "Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!"  From the limited research I did on the word "Hosannah" the Hebrew means "Save Us Please!" 

So why the contrast?  It's pretty simple really. When faced with a choice - God or the world - most will not choose God. They will reject the opportunity for salvation - reject Jesus and choose sin - and its consequences. Although, as you know - most of us if not all - minimize the consequences in favor of doing what our flesh and natural reasoning tells us is OK. Most people don't want a Savior - that want relief from the consequences so they can continue to live and do in the manner that they deem right. 

There was never a more stark picture of a spiritual decision point than when the people were given the choice - Choose Jesus or Barabbas.  Choose the God of heaven or choose the god of this world. 

"But even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, whose minds the god of this age (world) has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them." - 2 Corinthians 4:3-4

Like Adam and Eve in the garden - they chose poorly. Finding salvation by faith in Jesus is not an emotional decision - although salvation is often accompanied by great emotion. It is not a logical decision - where I can somehow reason it out. No it is a spiritual event where I was once blind (blinded by the god of this world) but now I see.  All because of Jesus.

"The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, Because He has anointed Me To preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives And recovery of sight to the blind, To set at liberty those who are oppressed." - Luke 4:18

Think about it – Pray about it – Believe it – Walk in it. Let your light shine and give God the glory.

By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His Glory Alone