0389. BARABBAS OR JESUS.

BARABBAS OR JESUS.

Mat_27:17.

It was a solemn day when Jesus stood in silence before Pilate and the people, a day heavily laden with far-reaching consequences. It is always such a day when a soul is called upon to make its final decision for God or the world. Observe-

I. Who they are. Barabbas and Jesus.

1. Barabbas. One who also bears the name of Jesus. A law-breaker, a robber, and a murderer. An enemy to God and to all the best interests of society.

2. Jesus. The Son of God and the Friend of man. One who went about continually doing good. A sufferer for the salvation of others.

II. What they are. They are representatives of two different kingdoms-of two different rulers that are opposed to each other.

1. The Barabbas Kingdom. The kingdom of this present evil world-the kingdom of darkness governed by the prince of darkness. Their great business is to rob men of their time, of their affections, their wills, and their souls. They seek to rob both God and man.

2. The Jesus Kingdom. Jesus represents the Kingdom of God. He stands for the sacrifice for sin, the eternal life which is the gift of God. He is the light and life of men, the substitute Redeemer.

III. Where they are. They stand together before the people (Luk_24:21), waiting for their individual choice. In one way or other they have been standing together before each generation ever since that day All to whom Christ is preached must make their choice.

1. You Cannot have Both. Barabbas and Christ are opposites, as diametrical as darkness and light. "Ye cannot serve God and Mammon." Ye cannot love the world and love God also. Whosoever is the friend of the world is the enemy of God. There is no alternative, you must choose the one or the other.

2. Your Eternal Destiny Hangs on Your Choice. They said, "Barabbas," and what followed? His blood is on them till this day. What do you say? In Christ there is life; in the Barabbas of this world there is death. Both life and death is set before you. "Choose life" (Deu_30:15).

"My heart is fixed, eternal God-fixed on Thee;

And my immortal choice is made-Christ for me."

Autor: James Smith