Which one do you want?

Matthew 27:17
So when they had gathered, Pilate said to them, “Whom do you want me to release for you: Barabbas, or Jesus who is called Christ?" (ESV)

Did you know that some of the ancient manuscripts (Syriac, Armenian, Georgian, Origen) of Matthews gospel account list Barabbas' first name as being Jesus also.

The New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) translates it this way: "So after they had gathered, Pilate said to them, “Whom do you want me to release for you, Jesus Barabbas or Jesus who is called the Messiah?”"

It is likely that Barabbas' first name was indeed "Jesus" and even his last name "Barabbas" has great significance.

Look at the name Barabbas closely:

Bar = Son of
Abba = the father

So, literally - Jesus son of the father.

Mark 15:7 states that Barabbas was among the "rebels" in prison for committing murder during a political uprising (the insurrection).

Pilate has just asked the masses which Jesus they wanted, the murdering political activist Jesus or Jesus the Messiah (The Anointed One).

John 8:39-47
39 They answered him, “Abraham is our father.” Jesus said to them, “If you were Abraham's children, you would be doing the works Abraham did, 40 but now you seek to kill me, a man who has told you the truth that I heard from God. This is not what Abraham did. 41 You are doing the works your father did.” They said to him, “We were not born of sexual immorality. We have one Father—even God.” 42 Jesus said to them, “If God were your Father, you would love me, for I came from God and I am here. I came not of my own accord, but he sent me. 43 Why do you not understand what I say? It is because you cannot bear to hear my word. 44 You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father's desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and has nothing to do with the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies. 45 But because I tell the truth, you do not believe me. 46 Which one of you convicts me of sin? If I tell the truth, why do you not believe me? 47 Whoever is of God hears the words of God. The reason why you do not hear them is that you are not of God.”

Look closely at verse 44.

What Jesus do you want? Do you want the Jesus who is common to man, the politician, the murderer, the liar? Or do you want the Jesus who radically changes the very heart of mankind?

Everyday men, women and children are faced with the decision to choose between the Jesus born of their father the devil and Jesus the incarnate Son of God.

One life, One Choice, One Savior, One God.....

Until He Returns,