“But the chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowds to ask for Barabbas and to put Jesus to death.  But the governor said to them, “Which of the two do you want me to release for you?” And they said, “Barabbas” (Matthew 27:20-21).

In sin, we choose death over life.  We are tempted to see things as political situations.  We do not fight against flesh and blood, but against forces of darkness and principalities.  Even in our freely choosing the sinful way, God’s will has been accomplished.  We go the way of our thinking, but the will of the Lord God is eternal.  All things will work together for good for those who follow the way of Jesus, or to the contrary if we do not.

Lord, despite, or is it because of, the sinful path of those who scheme and plot, You accomplish what needs to be accomplished.  Sinners scheme and despite their urgings, You raise up those who are as good as dead to become saints.  Help me to see that You alone bring us to be with You for all eternity.

Lord Jesus, the betrayal was complete — the expedient over the perfect.  Help me to see through the mess of this world to become what You are making of me.  Guide me in Your goodness and mercy to live into the life You have given me by grace through faith.  Let me not join the crowd of sinners, nor betray You, but live into the life You have granted me so that I become like You more and more .  Amen.

“So when the people gathered together, Pilate said to them, “Whom do you want me to release for you? Barabbas, or Jesus who is called Christ?”  For he knew that because of envy they had handed Him over” (Matthew 27:17-18).

Covetousness runs deep in the sinner.  I do not have; and I want.  Pride comes in and even if I cannot have it, I do not want you to have it.  This is one of the conditions of sin.  This has played out in every generation.  Jesus came to overcome these things so that we can learn how life is meant to be lived.  We do not live for ourselves.  If we do, we remain separated from the Lord.  If you live, live then for the Lord.

Lord, I belong to You.  You created me.  You placed me in my circumstances with the gifts You have given me.  You have called me to humbly submit to You, my Creator.  In You alone, the author of all life, life is to be lived the way it is meant to be lived.  Take me out of the life of the sinner to learn from You how to live a life that brings me to eternal life.  Lead me toward the upward way, away from the sin of this world.

Lord Jesus, You have come so that I may have life and have it abundantly.  By Your grace alone is there hope, for You alone have overcome sin.  By Your death and resurrection, You have made it possible for me to follow You.  Lead me on the narrow way so that I may leave behind the coveting and pride of this age to become more like You and learn how to live life as it is meant to be lived.  Amen.