THE ULTIMATE CHOICE: WILL YOU CHOOSE BARABBAS OR JESUS, THE MESSIAH?

THE ULTIMATE CHOICE: WILL YOU CHOOSE BARABBAS OR JESUS, THE MESSIAH?

2 oct. 2022

Yunusa Dan KARAMI

“Therefore, when they were gathered together, Pilate said unto them, Whom will ye that I release unto you? Barabbas, or Jesus which is called Christ?” Matthew 27: 17

In the early hours that would end to Jesus’ crucifixion, an indignant question arose from governor Pilate: “Which one do you want me to release to you: Barabbas, or Jesus who is called the Messiah?”. The crowd was roaring, the voices soaring higher and higher. Pilate resolved to his age-old proven tactic. His tenure was largely grounded on his public image, and what people say or perceive of him. He wanted to come across as someone impartial in the case of Jesus. He refuses to take his responsibility thus allowing the crowd to superimpose the modus operandi for this trial. This is a typical example of mob justice. Although, in real-time, while Pilate was still seating on his judgment seat, his wife sends him a divine direction on the course of action to take. But against all odds, Pilate hands over a guiltless Jesus to be tried and crucified.

Today, every one of us will take a decision similar to Pilates’. You are at a turning point in your life where you need to choose to either stand for what is right or choose to look at the other side. What will you do? Jesus Christ and Barabbas represent two different realities, two different kingdoms, and two different worlds. It is obvious that the divide between the two characters is as wide as the distance between heaven and earth. Jesus Christ lived a peaceful life, healing the sick, preaching the gospel, and reconnecting mankind to its creator. Barabbas had a different storyline, he was the troublemaker, the killer, the bad news, the atrocities breather. His CV was loaded with unfathomable mayhems; yet, that was the preferred choice for the people.

Today, every one of us will, without fail, face this life-changing battle. Just like Pilate, we will one day choose between life or death, blessings or curses. The heart cry of our heavenly father is unwavering; he wants to give you life in abundance through Jesus Christ his son. Deuteronomy 30:19 says: “This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live.” Do you want to live? Choose Jesus Christ.

© 2025 Root of Hope. All rights reserved

© 2025 Root of Hope. All rights reserved

© 2025 Root of Hope. All rights reserved