In one of the most gripping scenes recorded in scripture, a Roman governor named Pilate presents the people with a choice: the release of Jesus Barabbas, a known rebel and criminal, or Jesus, called the Messiah, an innocent man. Despite knowing Jesus had committed no crime, the crowd—stirred by religious leaders—chose Barabbas. In response, Pilate symbolically washed his hands, trying to absolve himself of responsibility. Yet, in truth, no one walks away from Jesus unaffected.

This moment is more than a historical event—it’s a mirror. It’s not just about Barabbas or Pilate. It’s about us.

Crucial, Not Optional

The cross is the central element of Christianity. Without it, the message of Jesus becomes just another set of teachings among many. What makes the Christian faith transformative is not just what Jesus said but what He did. His crucifixion was not symbolic—it was substitutional. It wasn’t merely a tragedy; it was a triumph of grace over guilt.

The Apostle Paul, a towering intellect and writer of much of the New Testament, summed it up this way: “I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified” (1 Corinthians 2:2). To Paul, the cross wasn’t one of many doctrines; it was the doctrine. Everything else flowed from that single point.

The Journey of Faith

Many people begin their spiritual journey with an encounter—a personal, life-changing experience with God. This is often emotional, real, and filled with wonder. From encounter, we often move into a phase of education, learning theology, doctrine, and scripture. But if we’re not careful, knowledge can become an idol. As Paul warned, “Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up” (1 Corinthians 8:1).

Eventually, life brings exposure—a phase of suffering, disappointment, or disillusionment. This is where many either deconstruct their faith or deepen it. For those who persevere, they move into embrace—where they accept the cross not just with joy but with reverence. And from that embrace comes expression—a life marked by service, love, and transformation.

You Can’t Wash Your Hands of Jesus

Pilate tried to stay neutral. He didn’t want to take responsibility for Jesus’ fate, so he washed his hands. But neutrality doesn’t exist when it comes to Christ. You either crown Him or crucify Him. Indifference is a decision in itself. In today’s culture, many attempt to sidestep Jesus, seeing Him as divisive or inconvenient. But the deal with Jesus is this: you have to deal with Him.

The Crowd Is Loud, But Not Always Right

The same crowd that shouted “Hosanna!” five days earlier now cried “Crucify Him!” Crowds are easily swayed. Cultural trends, social media, and groupthink often pull people away from truth. Just because a belief is popular doesn’t make it right. The story of Jesus’ trial shows how public opinion can shift quickly—and dangerously.

The need for discernment in today’s noise-saturated world is greater than ever. The loudest voices often come from the farthest seats. We must decide whether we’ll follow the crowd or follow the cross.

The Innocent Died So the Guilty Could Go Free

Barabbas was guilty. He was a rebel, a murderer, and a man who deserved punishment. Jesus was innocent. Yet in this moment, the innocent was condemned so the guilty could walk free.

This is the gospel.

It’s not just about a historical swap between two men. It’s about a divine exchange between Jesus and every one of us. We are Barabbas. We’ve all sinned. We’ve all failed. But Jesus took our place. He bore the punishment we deserved so we could live in freedom we didn’t earn.

This act of grace demands a response—not just emotional tears, but a changed life. The cross isn’t just the starting line; it’s the center point of the Christian walk. We don’t move on from it—we move deeper into it.

Examine Yourself

Paul, writing to the church in Corinth, later says, “Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith” (2 Corinthians 13:5). This isn’t a call to shame but to reflection. Have we embraced the cross? Are we living like we believe the innocent died for the guilty? Or have we been influenced by the crowd, attempted to stay neutral, or forgotten the weight of grace?

The message is clear: you can’t wash your hands of Jesus. The crowd is loud, but the cross is louder. And the innocent died so the guilty could go free.

Let us not forget—we are Barabbas, and yet we are free.

And that is grace.