Which Jesus?

These are difficult times. Times of violence and war. Times of uncertainty. Times in which exploitation and abuse are exposed. Times when people show who they really are based on what they say and what they do. Times when we have to decide how we will act. Times where we either praise violence and destruction as something that appears strong, smart, or powerful, or we reject these ways publicly in favor of the less popular path of peace.

This is a time in which we have to choose which Jesus we will follow — Jesus the Christ or Jesus Barabbas.

Matthew 27:16–17 states: “At that time they had a notorious prisoner, called called Jesus Barabbas. So after they had gathered, Pilate said to them, ‘Whole do you want me to release to you, Jesus Barabbas or Jesus who is called the Messiah?”

We’re always being asked which Jesus we will choose. Jesus the Prince of Peace, or Jesus the notorious prisoner. Jesus who fights not with weapons but instead loves his enemies, or Jesus who uses violence to try to get his way causing death and destruction.

Jesus the Christ represents the Kingdom of God, Shalom, peace, forgiveness, mercy, and grace.

Jesus Barabbas is just another in a long line of men who represent the empires of the world who worship violence and war, exploitation and abuse, death and destruction. You can substitute so many names throughout history for him. You could just as easily substitute in other titles of men who have taken up Jesus Barabbas’ mantle — Caesar, Czar, General, Leader…