[Pilate said to the crowd,] "But you have a custom of asking me to release one prisoner each year at Passover. Would you like me to release this 'King of the Jews'?"
But they shouted back, "No! Not this man. We want Barabbas!" (Barabbas was a revolutionary.)
—John 18:39-40 NLT
At first glance, we look at the choice made by the people on this horrible day when they called for Barabbas to be released and Jesus crucified [1] and wonder how they could do it. However, when we take a long look at ourselves, we are struck by the many times we have chosen other things over Christ in our lives. In fact, that is what sin is — choosing something we want over the will and the work of Jesus! So today, let's be humbled and reminded how fickle we can be. One day we are shouting hosannas and hallelujahs to Jesus, [2] and a short time later we are choosing something totally opposite to Jesus. Let's not trade the lordship of Christ in our lives for anything else, for that would be ... sinful!
[1] John 19:6.
[2] Jesus' Triumphant Entry into Jerusalem (John 12:12-15) was just a few days before his trial before Pilate.
Give me an undivided heart, O God, and help me follow my Lord Jesus Christ with passion and perseverance. Open my eyes to the many things that would distract me from my commitment to Christ, and give me the strength to stay away from them and to keep my focus on Jesus. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
Ⓒ 1996-2022 Heartlight, Inc. This material may not be reproduced in part or whole for commercial use without written consent. What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form. Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Continue reading...
But they shouted back, "No! Not this man. We want Barabbas!" (Barabbas was a revolutionary.)
—John 18:39-40 NLT
Key Thought
At first glance, we look at the choice made by the people on this horrible day when they called for Barabbas to be released and Jesus crucified [1] and wonder how they could do it. However, when we take a long look at ourselves, we are struck by the many times we have chosen other things over Christ in our lives. In fact, that is what sin is — choosing something we want over the will and the work of Jesus! So today, let's be humbled and reminded how fickle we can be. One day we are shouting hosannas and hallelujahs to Jesus, [2] and a short time later we are choosing something totally opposite to Jesus. Let's not trade the lordship of Christ in our lives for anything else, for that would be ... sinful!
[1] John 19:6.
[2] Jesus' Triumphant Entry into Jerusalem (John 12:12-15) was just a few days before his trial before Pilate.
Today's Prayer
Give me an undivided heart, O God, and help me follow my Lord Jesus Christ with passion and perseverance. Open my eyes to the many things that would distract me from my commitment to Christ, and give me the strength to stay away from them and to keep my focus on Jesus. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
Related Scripture Readings
Ⓒ 1996-2022 Heartlight, Inc. This material may not be reproduced in part or whole for commercial use without written consent. What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form. Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Continue reading...
