Which Jesus Do You Choose? (Matthew 27:15-23)

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In Matthew 27:15-23, we see a strange and unsettling custom. To celebrate the festival, the governor would release one prisoner chosen by the crowd. Pilate gives them a choice that seems obvious on the surface. On one hand, there is Jesus Barabbas, a “notorious prisoner.” On the other, there is Jesus, the one called the Messiah, who had spent his days healing the sick and preaching about the kingdom of God.

Now, let me make a note about the names. Barabbas (or Bar Abbas) means son of the father. So, on the one hand you have Jesus, son of the father, and on the other hand you have Jesus, Son of the Father. 

So, which ‘hand’ do you choose? Which Jesus do you choose?

It is a heartbreaking moment. The crowd, stirred up by leaders who felt threatened by love and mercy, chose the way of violence over the way of peace. They shouted for Barabbas to be set free and for Jesus to be crucified. 

This act represents a rejection of Jesus’s peaceful message in favor of a figure who utilized the very violent methods of the Roman Empire that they opposed.

Sadly, way too many people today misguidedly choose the wrong Jesus. They choose the Jesus that represents exclusion, power, violence — all of the things that Jesus of Nazareth rejected.

As we prepare for Holy Week, this story holds up a mirror to our own souls. Every day, we are faced with choices. Often, we know what is right. We feel that gentle nudge from God, that quiet voice of conscience that aligns with his word. But there is also the loud voice of the crowd—the pressure to fit in, to take the easy way out, to choose the path of least resistance.

Barabbas represented a worldly solution—a violent rebel who promised a political fix. Jesus represented the kingdom of God—a way of love, sacrifice, and truth. The crowd chose the way of the world. Barabbas promises the victory of the wolf. Jesus promises us the victory of the Lamb.

Pilate’s question to the crowd is the same question God puts before us every day: “Which of the two do you want?” And his follow-up question is the one we must answer with our lives: “Then what should I do with Jesus?”

This is a time to look honestly at the choices we make. Often, we are tempted to choose the things that the world values—power, anger, or getting our own way—rather than the humble, self-giving path of Christ. We might not be standing in a Roman courtyard, but every day we decide whether we will follow the crowd or follow the Savior who stood silent in the face of accusation.

The beauty of the Gospel, even in this heavy story, is that Jesus stayed on that path for us. He accepted the cross so that we could truly be set free. Even when we choose poorly, Christ chooses us.

Questions for Reflection and Action:

1.      Where in your life are you facing a choice between the way of the world (the “Barabbas” option) and the way of Christ? This might be a choice about how you spend your time, how you use your resources, or how you speak to someone in your life. Where in my life am I tempted to choose what is easy instead of what is faithful?

2.     Pilate knew what was right but gave in to pressure. When have you done the same? What gives you the courage to stand firm in your convictions when you feel pressured to do otherwise? What “voices” in my life make it harder to follow Christ faithfully?

3.     Pilate asked, “What should I do with Jesus?” How will you answer that question this week? What is one practical way you can choose to honor Christ through a specific action—perhaps an act of kindness, a moment of prayer, or a stand for justice?

Let us pray...

Gracious God,
As we remember the crowd’s choice and Pilate’s weakness,
we confess the times we have chosen poorly.
We have chosen the easy way over the right way,
the crowd’s approval over your gentle command.
Give us clarity to see the choices before us,
and grant us courage by your Spirit to choose Christ.
Help us to not only call him Lord but to follow him in the way of the cross,
which leads to life eternal.
Help us see the places where we turn away from you.
Give us courage to choose the way of Christ, even when it is difficult.
Teach us to love as Jesus loves,
to speak truth with gentleness,
and to walk in your grace each day.
Strengthen our hearts so that our choices reflect your goodness.
In the name of Jesus, who was crucified for us, we pray.
Amen.

 

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