Jesus or Barabbas?

John 18:36-40

““My kingdom is not of this world,” said Jesus. “If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would fight, so that I wouldn’t be handed over to the Jews. But as it is, my kingdom is not from here.”

“You are a king then? ” Pilate asked.

“You say that I’m a king,” Jesus replied. “I was born for this, and I have come into the world for this: to testify to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth listens to my voice.”

“What is truth? ” said Pilate.

After he had said this, he went out to the Jews again and told them, “I find no grounds for charging him. You have a custom that I release one prisoner to you at the Passover. So, do you want me to release to you the King of the Jews? ”

They shouted back, “Not this man, but Barabbas! ” Now Barabbas was a revolutionary.”

Some observations: Jesus was born to be a King. He has a kingdom that is not of this world. Jesus came into the world to testify to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth listens to Jesus’ voice.

Here are some questions for us all: What is the truth that Jesus testified to? Do I want to know the truth that Jesus testified to? Do I want Jesus to be my king? Or do I prefer to be the king of my own life and choices? Do I prefer Jesus and his otherworldly kingdom to transform and replace my own worldly and sinful kingdom? Do I side with the majority or with the truth? Is it Jesus or Barabbas that I choose?