Choosing Barabbas

This is Day 8 of my 40 day Lenten Blog.

Trying to find a way out of crucifying Jesus, Pilate offered to release one Jewish prisoner for the Passover. He offered the choice between the innocent Jesus, who had healed many, fed thousands, and brought salvation to the world, or the murderer Barabbas. The crowd chose to release Barabbas.

"What am I to do with Jesus, the one called Christ?" Pilate asked them.

"Crucify him!" the crowd shouted back.

To me this has always been one of the most puzzling events in the Passion of Christ. Why would the crowd want to release a murderer back into their midst while killing the one who healed and fed them?

But do I not do this every day? Do I not choose Barabbas over Christ? When I choose to sin I am choosing Barabbas. When I choose my selfishness over helping others I am choosing Barabbas. When I choose to glorify myself instead of giving all glory to God I am choosing Barabbas.

Yes, Jesus heals me and feeds me and offers me salvation. But he also points out my pride. He wants me to do God's will, but I want to do my own will. The will of the Jews was for the Messiah to destroy the Roman occupiers and conquer the world. When Jesus did not do that they turned on Him. Like them I want Jesus to do what I want Him to do. When He doesn't, I turn on Him. I choose Barabbas and I crucify Christ.

R.C. VanLandingham is the author of the Peter Puckett series, a Christian children's fantasy that explores what it means to know and love Christ through exciting adventures.His books and blog can be found at rcvanlandingham.com.