Matthew 27:21-23
The governor again said to them, “Which of the two do you want me to release for you?” And they said, “Barabbas.” Pilate said to them, “Then what shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ?” They all said, “Let him be crucified!” And he said, “Why, what evil has he done?” But they shouted all the more, “Let him be crucified!”
Jesus had to die, so the Jews didn’t care that they were calling for the release of a rebellious murderer. In fact, they would have agreed to the release of ANYONE…anyone, that is, except Jesus.
Jesus threatened their way of life…their power structure…their standing with the people…their misguided understanding of what it meant to follow God…and so they incited the people to call for His crucifixion. Many of the same people had cheered Him on just a few days earlier, but now they wanted Him dead. The reality of who Jesus is and what He does and what He calls us to do is oftentimes too much for people to handle. As a result, we choose to follow something or someone else…anyone, that is, but Him.
Who do YOU choose to follow when you don’t want to follow Him? Mr. Pride? Mrs. Vanity? Mr. Sexual Adventure? Mrs. Gossip? Mr. Anger? Mrs. Self-Pity? Mr. Judgmental? Mrs. Arrogant?
When we have strayed from prayer or God’s Word or the fellowship of the Saints, it’s amazing whom we will choose to take the throne in our lives. Sadly, it’s usually anyone…anyone, that is, but Him.
