JUNE 26, Matthew 27:15-22

It was the custom in those days that the governor was allowed to release a prisoner of the people’s choice on a special occasion like the Passover. Pilate the governor knew that Jesus was an innocent man. At the same time, he also knew Barabbas was a notorious criminal, for the Bible tells us in verse 15 he was a “notable” prisoner – a prisoner notorious for his crimes. Between the Saviour of the world, an innocent man who did the people only good and Barabbas, a seasoned criminal, who would the crowds choose to set free? You know the answer: they chose Barabbas.

What if you and I were in that crowd? Who would we choose? Of course, we would want to give the model answer – we would choose to release Jesus! We would want to say we would be strong enough to withstand the pressure of the crowd, the prevalent thinking of the people as well as the teachings of the Pharisees and religious elite and that we would dare to be different from them and choose Jesus. Really?

Although you and I will never have a chance to choose between Barabbas or Jesus, we have a choice to choose between the things of the world or Jesus. Every day, we are faced with choices. These are not choices that need us to choose between 2 condemned to die as both Barabbas and Jesus were. These are choices perhaps to follow what Jesus taught or what the world wants us to do. It could be as simple as choosing to be angry when we know we should not be or to remind ourselves to not sin by being angry. It could be to choose whether to give in to your sister or brother over who gets to take a larger slice of that yummy cake than to say the bigger piece is yours because of whatever reasons you may have in mind.

What is your choice?

Thought: May I choose wisely, daily.

Prayer: Father in heaven, thank you for the reminder to choose wisely. I know I may forget at times to choose and do the right thing so please help me gracious Lord to always be aware of the need to keep close to You and to so things that would be pleasing to You. This is my humble cry in Jesus’ name, Amen.