It was the Day of Preparation of Passover week, and the Roman governor, Pilate, stood above the Jews asking the question that would seal the fate of two men. He asked the gathered crowd, “Which one do you want me to release to you: Barabbas or Jesus who is called the Christ?” (Matthew 27:17).

 It was a custom during the Feast for the governor to release a prisoner chosen by the people. He gave them the choice of either Barabbas, a notorious insurrectionist who had committed murder during an uprising against Rome, or Jesus, the King of the Jews, whom they had witnessed do many miracles.

It seemed like an easy choice, but there was much more behind the decision. God’s people were looking for a Messiah who would deliver them from those ruling over them.

During the days of the Judges, God had raised up many deliverers for His people to set them free from their enemies. But they failed to see it was their moral decay and turning away from God that led to their judgment, and it was only after national repentance that God sent a deliverer.

Now the Jews had been under Roman rule for years, and they were still looking for a deliverer from those ruling over them. They still failed to see their need of a Messiah to deliver them from sin. Thus, Barabbas was a viable choice, as the insurrection he took part in was against the Roman government.

There was also another aspect to this decision. It was the religious leaders who had brought the accusations against Jesus, and had Him arrested and brought to trial in order to have Him crucified. He had upset the status quo, and was a threat to the security and power given them by the Romans leaders.

So when the people heard that question, the chief priests stirred up the crowd into an irrational frenzy against Jesus. They chose Barabbas to be set free, and joined the religious leaders in their cries against Jesus, shouting, “Crucify him! Crucify him!”

This choice, to follow Barabbas rather than Jesus, also freed the people from having to look at their own lives and make any changes. If they followed Barabbas, they could just cheer him on from afar, hoping he would eventually lead the way to national freedom. It freed them from any responsibility on their part.

But following Jesus puts us into a whole other ballgame. A true encounter with Jesus the Messiah, the Savior of the world, causes us to see our sin and our need for forgiveness. It requires us to take a good look at our lives and make whatever changes are necessary to follow His ways. It gives us a desire to know and love Him, and to serve Him with wholehearted devotion.

Nothing has changed since that fateful day. It is not a government leader or religious leader who can be our deliverer. It will still require national repentance and hearts turning to God before we can be set free both individually and as a nation. So which one do you choose?

Hope Ministries is a Christian counseling center, and we are here to help. If you would like to speak confidentially with someone, give us a call at 845-482-5300.