Pastor’s Corner: “The Mercenary or the King?”
Matthew 27:15-17, 21-25 (NIV) – 15 Now it was the governor’s custom at the festival to release a prisoner chosen by the crowd. 16 At that time they had a well-known prisoner whose name was Jesus Barabbas (an insurrectionist and murderer). 17 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?” 21The crowd shouted back, “Barabbas!” 22 Pilate responded, “Then what should I do with Jesus who is called the Messiah?” They shouted back, “Crucify him!” 23 “Why?” Pilate demanded. “What crime has he committed?” But the mob roared even louder, “Crucify him!” 24 Pilate saw that he wasn’t getting anywhere and that a riot was developing. So he sent for a bowl of water and washed his hands before the crowd, saying, “I am innocent of this man’s blood. The responsibility is yours!”25 And all the people yelled back, “We will take responsibility for his death—we and our children!”
We face difficult choices every day. Often, instead of standing up for the truth we compromise our convictions or let someone else decide (like the crowd), but the results can be disastrous. Pilate tried to negotiate a way to remain popular while avoiding a decision for the truth. He would let the crowd decide who would be crucified: Jesus the Messiah or Jesus Barabbas. What a clever move on Pilate’s part. Certainly the crowd would not want a murderer set free! Knowing that Jesus was innocent, Pilate wanted to release him. But without the backbone to stand for truth, Pilate looked for an easy way out. He thought he had the perfect plan to spare him from making this difficult decision. But God closed the door. Nothing can stop the plans of God: not inept leaders or rebellious mobs or cleverly conceived strategies. In the midst of political injustice, mob hysteria, and mischievous deceit, God finds a way to establish his perfect will.
Barabbas was a “notorious prisoner” (Matthew 27:16). He was a murderer (cf. Mark 15:7) who took part in an insurrection (Luke 23:19). He was known as a “robber,” a code word for a resistance fighter (John 18:40). Some saw in Barabbas – and he in himself – a messianic figure, one who would deliver the people from Roman occupation. His name is composed of two parts, Bar Abbas. Bar means “son of” and Abbas means “father;” he is the son of the father. Barabbas is shown here as a sort of alter ego of Jesus, who makes the same claim but understands it in a completely different way. The choice between Barabbas and Jesus is no mere coincidence; through Pilate, the tempter forces the people to choose between messiahs. So the choice is between a Messiah who leads an armed struggle, promises freedom and a kingdom of one’s own, and this mysterious Jesus who proclaims that losing oneself is the way to life. The one promises freedom from foreign powers and the other promises freedom from sin and death.
The world and religion sold out Jesus Christ, the Giver of Eternal Life, for Barabbas, a murderous life taker. The same things are happening in our society today. Society is selling out and attempting to destroy Jesus Christ for murderous sin and violence. Abortion is being accepted and taught more-so than the value of a soul. Every child deserves a chance at life to make an impact for God in winning lost souls for the Lord. Science books and education have taken precedence over the Bible and the Revelation of God. Hate and violence towards one another has taken place of “love thy neighbor as thyself.” And oh, how fast those of the world and religion are to sell out Christ when it comes to money.
Jesus Christ was sold out by Judas for 30 pieces of silver, the price of a slave. Think about that for a moment, selling out God and Eternal Life in the Kingdom of Heaven for a few dollars. How sad it was then, but the same thing continues today. Those of the Judas and Barabbas spirit sell out God, Heavenly Glory, and Life Eternal for careers, popularity, financial gain, and/or position in life. Man believes by destroying or ignoring Christ in their lives they are free from the Ways of God and the world is their oyster. The reality is, by destroying and ignoring Christ from coming into their hearts, they are committing an eternal, spiritual suicide full of imprisonment, torment, and despair.
As a Child of God, we are to sell out the world for buying into Jesus Christ and the Word of God. The world and the religious have the blood of Christ on their hands, but as a Child of God we have The Blood of Christ written on the door posts of our hearts. Remember when we choose Christ – the world will hate us; John 15:18 (NIV) – 18 “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first.
We have a choice between two sons of the father. We can be like Pilate and follow the crowd, knowing that their views may clash with ours. Or we could follow Jesus who did exactly what the Lord asked of him, knowing that God will one day say, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” Which one will we choose?
In His Grace,
Pastor Hamilton