We all have choices to make in life. Do this, do that. Go here, go there. Which college or trade school to attend? What career to pursue? Who to marry and where to live? All involve our Lord. Or do they?

Money or Christ? Sexual adventures or purity? Material stuff or grateful contentment? Impressions on others or how we’re doing with the Lord? You name it, choices are involved. Some good, some neutral, some plain awful.

I’ve made them all. The good, the bad, and the ugly. Was I following the Lord? Choosing His way? Yes, there are those. I wish that all my choices were cleared with Jesus first and foremost. Be honest, just me? The only one wearing the dunce’s cap? You wish. I’m one of a large crowd, getting larger every day, sad to say.

Here in Mark 15, Jerusalem’s political head honcho has a choice to make. So does the crowd gathering at his feet, yelling and screaming, waving their fists in a threat of bloody violence.

In front of Pontius Pilate stands a man accused of blasphemy and insurrection. During this festival, Pilate will release one prisoner, the one the crowd cries out for. How about Jesus Christ? Does this itinerant preacher and healer deserve death or a sudden release? Another option is Barabbas, a known murderer and sworn enemy of Rome. He’s a nasty dude. Some ancient manuscripts of the New Testament list his name as Jesus Barabbas (Matt. 27: 16). Bar Abbas, in the local Aramaic language, means ‘Son of the Father’. Which one does the crowd want?

How ironic. Which ‘Jesus, Son of the Father’? The dealer in death and treason, or the One who brings life and healing and love and forgiveness and goodness, and that’s just the beginning? Which one?

It’s still the biggest choice in life. For that crowd and for all of us. Whether to believe in Jesus as Lord of your life or not? To thumb your nose His way or to bow the knee in worship and submission? Try to run your life without reference to God, or to get in line behind Him for a refreshing change?

How about it? Which will it be?

Lord God, how wonderful to be in your family as your child, now and forever. In Jesus’ name. Amen.