When The World Chooses Evil Over You Part 2

Matthew 27:15-19

Now, it was the governor’s custom at the festival to release a prisoner chosen by the crowd. At that time they had a well-known prisoner whose name was Jesus Barabbas. 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?”

For he knew it was out of self-interest that they had handed Jesus over to him. While Pilate was sitting on the judge’s seat, his wife sent him this message: “Don’t have anything to do with that innocent man, for I have suffered a great deal today in a dream because of him.”

The Consequences of Spiritual Blindness

The people chose to free a murderer so that Jesus Christ would be sentenced to death. It’s puzzling that the Jews, who knew Christ better, lacked the clarity of the Romans. Their agendas hardened their hearts. Pilate avoided blame even though he was bound by the laws of the time. The Jews, not the Romans, were responsible for Christ’s death, as it was destined to happen. Unlike Pilate, they were not neutral. By choosing a side, they lost their chance to deny their role in the death of an innocent man. The accusers were spiritually bankrupt for instigating people to kill an innocent man for personal gain.

The Surprising Release of Barabbas

The spiritual decline of people who choose evil over good is an active choice, not a passive one. Pilate and his wife were not blamed because they didn’t support what was wrong. God spoke to Pilate through his wife. They decided to do the right thing while considering the law and public safety (to prevent a riot). Why would people pick a murderer likely to kill again after narrowly avoiding execution? He was likely surprised to be set free instead.

In Summary

During a festival, Governor Pilate offered to release a prisoner, presenting Jesus Barabbas and Jesus the Messiah. Despite knowing Jesus was innocent, the crowd chose to free Barabbas, demonstrating spiritual blindness. Pilate’s wife warned him against condemning Jesus, suggesting their awareness of his innocence. Ultimately, this choice showcased the people’s moral decline and personal agendas, leading to an unjust sentence.

#ToUnderstandIsDivine