“But the chief priests and elders persuaded the multitude that they should ask Barabbas, and destroy Jesus.” Matthew 27:20
It all comes down to choice. And choice comes down to motivation.
What will I choose? And more importantly, WHY will I choose it?
“For he (Pilate) knew that for ENVY they had delivered him.” Matthew 27:18
Choosing Barabbas equaled destroying Jesus.
If we live in the flesh, we will choose “Barabbas”. Every. Single. Time.
Envy, jealousy, anger, hate, lust for power and the like are destructive motivators. They destroy our love for others, our joy and our peace. These works of the flesh make it impossible to suffer long, to be gentle and good. They cause us to lack faith in God and in the work He is doing in the lives of others. Pride takes control of our hearts. We become passionately consumed with taking another down. Out of control, we destroy the good in our lives.
“There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.” Proverbs 14:12
Though the multitude chose Barabbas that day, a few women did not. They chose to stand by the cross of their suffering Savior. After three days of weeping, these are the women who discovered that the tomb was empty. They were the first to deliver the good news that Jesus was risen from the dead! (Matthew 28:6)
And what was their motivation for choosing Jesus? Love. Motivated by the love Christ had demonstrated to them and to others. Motivated by the love they had for Christ.
Motivated by love, they chose Jesus. Motivated by love they chose to lose their life and find it in Christ.
“For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead: And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.” 2 Corinthians 5:14-15
Theme Verse:
“For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel's, the same shall save it.” Mark 8:35
“Lose” from the Greek word “Apollymi” means “to destroy fully.” It is translated “destroy” in Matthew 27:20, our verse for today.
“But the chief priests and elders persuaded the multitude that they should ask Barabbas, and destroy Jesus.” Matthew 27:20
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