It is a tragic inconsistency in... - All The Good Seed Daily Devotionals for 2025

Thy all cried out at once, saying, Away with this man, and release to us Barabbas, who had been thrown into prison for a certain rebellion and for murder.
Luke 23:18.19.

It is a tragic inconsistency in human behaviour that people constantly choose what harms them most. About two thousand years ago the Jews demanded the release of a murderer named Barabbas instead of their Messiah. "Release to us Barabbas!" they shouted. Since then people have frequently had their Barabbas.

By choosing Barabbas, they chose the principle He stood for: having his way as a free man, if necessary even at the cost of others.

Today we have a comparable choice before us. If we decide on our egoistic lifestyle so predominant in the present world, we shall reap the consequences.

Was there no alternative in Jerusalem at that time? Indeed there was: Jesus of Nazareth. He had not come to do His own will, but the will of God. Whereas the life of his neighbour meant nothing to Barabbas, Jesus Christ sacrificed His life on the cross of Calvary to save the lost.

We do not intend to accuse anyone of sympathising with Barabbas. But we are all inclined to follow the principle that characterised Barabbas to a certain extent, i.e. doing what we want to. In God's sight that is self-will and sin, for our Creator can rightly expect our obedience and our love. We therefore all need Jesus Christ as our Saviour. He offers His saving hand to everyone who wishes to get things right with God.

Today's reading: Jeremiah 19:1-15 · Luke 23:47-56