A great multitude was called upon to make their choice,
"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 27:17-2417Therefore when they were gathered together, Pilate said unto them, Whom will ye that I release unto you? Barabbas, or Jesus which is called Christ? 18For he knew that for envy they had delivered him. 19When he was set down on the judgment seat, his wife sent unto him, saying, Have thou nothing to do with that just man: for I have suffered many things this day in a dream because of him. 20But the chief priests and elders persuaded the multitude that they should ask Barabbas, and destroy Jesus. 21The governor answered and said unto them, Whether of the twain will ye that I release unto you? They said, Barabbas. 22Pilate saith unto them, What shall I do then with Jesus which is called Christ? They all say unto him, Let him be crucified. 23And the governor said, Why, what evil hath he done? But they cried out the more, saying, Let him be crucified. 24When Pilate saw that he could prevail nothing, but that rather a tumult was made, he took water, and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, I am innocent of the blood of this just person: see ye to it. (Matthew 27:17‑24).
It was Pilate's custom to release a prisoner yearly at their feast. He now presents to them two to choose from; which was it to be? Barabbas, or Christ? The first was a robber and a murderer; the second, the spotless Son of God.
They themselves had borne record that "never man spake like this man," but O, the hatred of the human heart. They demanded Barabbas. Awful decision! They chose a man they feared and dreaded rather than Jesus, the One who had come to save them.
But what is your choice? Is it nothing to you that Christ suffered and died upon that cruel cross, that your sins might be forgiven if you but believe on Him? Think of the love of God in giving His only Son to suffer in your stead.
By nature man's heart is the same today as was that of the Jews of old. It may be veneered by civilization, but it is not changed, and men still raise the cry, "Crucify Him," by their rejection of Him.
Will you not accept Christ as your Savior now?
"Now is the day of salvation," tomorrow it may be too late-the door may be shut. May God give you to see the immense issues at stake, for on your choice depends your everlasting destiny.
If you believe on the Lord Jesus, then everlasting life will be yours; but if you reject or neglect Him, then you must be eternally banished from His presence with the devil and his angels.
O, we would again urge you to believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and be saved; then you will be able to sing—
"My heart is fixed, eternal God,
Fixed on Thee;
And my immortal choice is made,
Christ for me."