Jesus or Barabbas?

A Choice That Still Echoes Today

“Whom do you want me to release to you: Barabbas, or Jesus who is called Christ?” – Matthew 27:17

At first glance, the choice between Jesus and Barabbas seems simple—even absurd. One was the Son of God, sinless and compassionate, who healed the sick and preached hope. The other? A convicted criminal, a rebel, a murderer. And yet, in one of the most revealing moments in Scripture, the crowd cried out for Barabbas.

This wasn’t just a one-time decision in ancient Jerusalem. It’s a picture of the daily choices we still face in our own lives. The story of Jesus and Barabbas is more than a historical event—it is a spiritual mirror. It reflects our hearts, our priorities, and the real battle between choosing what is right and what is easy.

The Original Choice: Jesus or Barabbas?

Matthew 27 paints a powerful picture of this moment:

·      During the Passover, it was customary for the Roman governor to release a prisoner of the people’s choosing.

·      This time, the choice was between Jesus, the Christ, and Barabbas, a known criminal.

·      Pilate himself could see the truth. He knew Jesus was innocent. Even his wife, prompted by a disturbing dream, urged him to have nothing to do with this righteous man.

 But the religious leaders stirred up the crowd, and the mob began to chant, “Give us Barabbas!” When Pilate asked, “What should I do with Jesus?” they shouted louder: “Crucify Him!”

Pilate, despite his inner conflict, gave in. He washed his hands in front of them all, symbolically removing himself from the guilt—but not the responsibility.

The people declared, “His blood be on us and on our children!” And with that, Barabbas walked free. Jesus was handed over to be scourged and crucified.

The Daily Choice

In life, we often find ourselves standing in that same courtyard. The voices around us are loud—culture, media, our own desires. They say:

• “Choose what makes you happy now.”

• “Follow the crowd.”

• “Do what feels good.”

 But truth doesn’t always come with applause. Often, it comes in whispers. Conviction doesn’t always trend. Integrity doesn’t always go viral. And while Barabbas may seem like the “easier” choice, the cost is high—because he represents everything that draws us away from God.

 Life is full of choices. But are we seeking truth—or just trying to be comfortable?

 Why We Choose Barabbas

We often choose based on what’s convenient, not what’s right. We ask:

• “Which option is easiest?”

• “Which one makes me feel good?”

• “Which one causes the least resistance?”

 But as many of us have learned, what makes us happy today may leave us empty tomorrow.

 Barabbas represents that temptation: the sinful way, the easy way, the loud voice that demands satisfaction. Jesus represents righteousness, sacrifice, and eternal life.

 It’s not always about a person. Sometimes, the choice is between obedience and disobedience. Truth and lies. Faith and fear.

 Pilate's Dilemma Is Ours Too

Pilate didn’t hate Jesus—he just didn’t want to deal with the consequences of choosing Him. His story teaches us that indecision is still a decision. When we try to please the crowd and ignore our conscience, we risk betraying our own values.

 Pilate represents you and me. The crowd represents peer pressure. The religious leaders symbolize the voices of rebellion and compromise. And Pilate’s wife? She’s that still, small voice of the Holy Spirit, whispering, “Don’t do it. Choose what’s right.”

 The Consequence of Choice

When the crowd chose Barabbas, they didn’t just choose for that day. They declared, “His blood be on us and our children.” Whether they realized it or not, their decision had generational consequences.

 Your choice to follow Christ—or not—has ripple effects. It affects your family, your future, your legacy.

 Communion: The Beauty of the Cross

Here’s the astonishing twist: Jesus still chose the cross. Even when we chose wrong, He still took our place. Barabbas was a criminal. He deserved death. But Jesus, the sinless Lamb of God, was crucified instead.

And that’s the heart of Communion.

 Just like Barabbas, we were guilty. We sat in a cell of our own sin, awaiting the sentence we knew we deserved. But then the door swung open. We heard the impossible: “You’re free to go. Jesus took your place.”

 That’s grace.

Every time we take Communion, we remember this moment. We’re not just honouring a tradition—we’re remembering a divine exchange. Jesus, the perfect Passover Lamb, was examined, found spotless, and offered up to save us.

 Jesus: Our Passover Lamb

In the days leading up to His crucifixion, Jesus fulfilled every symbol of the Passover:

• On Palm Sunday, He entered Jerusalem—the same day the Israelites would choose their Passover lamb.

• For five days, He was questioned by religious leaders—just as lambs were examined for blemishes.

• Pilate declared, “I find no fault in Him.”

 Then, on the day of sacrifice, Jesus became the final, perfect Lamb. No longer would the blood of animals cover sin temporarily. Jesus’ blood would cleanse us eternally.

 “You were redeemed… with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.”
– 1 Peter 1:18–19

 Final Thoughts: Who Will You Choose?

Every day is a courtroom. Every action a vote. Every decision a verdict.

Will you choose comfort or conviction? Convenience or Christ? Barabbas… or Jesus?

 Jesus stands before us, not with condemnation, but with love. He took our place. He carried our cross. And now, through His resurrection, He offers us life—abundant and eternal.

 Let’s choose Him.

 Let’s not just remember the Lamb—let’s follow Him. Let’s not just take Communion—let’s live in covenant.

 And the next time life presents you with a Jesus or Barabbas moment, choose the One who chose you first.