EASTER 2026 CHOICES

Key Texts: Matthew 27:15-18; 20-26; Luke 23:19

While it is easy to blame “THAT CROWD” for the choice they made that day; don’t we often do the same. Aren’t we as guilty of choosing our own Barabbas (our sin) over Jesus?

Which choice would you have made? Which choice DO you make every day of your life?

Matthew 27 serves as the foundation for our exploration of choices, specifically the choice between Barabbas and Jesus. This pivotal moment in biblical history highlights the profound impact of our decisions.

The Nature of Choices

John Maxwell’s assertion, “Life is a matter of choices, and every choice you make makes you,” underscores the sermon. The average person makes about 35,000 choices daily, ranging from trivial to life-altering.

The sermon delves into the choice Pilate offered the crowd: Barabbas, a known insurrectionist, or Jesus, the Messiah. This decision reflects broader themes of choice in our lives:

No CHOICE is a CHOICE

EVERYONE makes CHOICES

CHOICES are often made WITHOUT ADEQUATE INFORMATION

CHOICES are often made HALFHEARTEDLY

Choices can be INFLUENCED BY OTHERS

CHOICES have CONSEQUENCES

CHOICES don’t have to be PERMANENT

There is a DEADLINE on the one CHOICE THAT MATTERS MOST

CHOICES Should CONTINUE

Redemption and New Choices

Despite past choices, redemption is possible. Micah 7:18-19 assures us of God’s mercy: “Who is a God like you, who pardons sin and forgives the transgression of the remnant of his inheritance?”

A Call to Choose Jesus

The sermon concludes with a call to make a definitive choice for Jesus, emphasizing the urgency as noted in James 4:14: “What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.” The choice for Jesus is one of eternal significance, and today is the day for salvation.

Final Reflection

The narrative of Barabbas and Jesus is a powerful reminder of the choices we face. It challenges us to reflect on who we choose to guide our lives and how those choices align with our faith. Let us choose Jesus, whose sacrifice offers redemption and hope.

For further reflection, consider reading Matthew 27.

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