By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo
Mark 15:9-13 “Do you want me to release to you the king of the Jews?” asked Pilate, knowing it was out of self-interest that the chief priests had handed Jesus over to him. But the chief priests stirred up the crowd to have Pilate release Barabbas instead. “What shall I do, then, with the one you call the king of the Jews?” Pilate asked them. “Crucify him!” they shouted." - NIV
The debate was about which prisoner to release as was the custom. Barabas was a notorious prisoner who led an uprising. Jesus was the opposite. He committed no crime. But the priests, elders and teachers of the law who should have been Jesus’ key defenders because He was righteous, preferred that a criminal be released to them. They overlooked the law they claimed to stand for, to protect self interests which Jesus stood against. Barabas deserved to die. But Jesus Who didn’t deserve was crucified.
It is disturbing how common this is in our day. So many who hold power and authority, custodians of the law, and holders of positions of responsibility they could use to promote truth, justice and righteousness instead use it to defraud, oppress and discriminate so as to promote self interests. This happens across all strata of leadership in society. The positions we hold are a stewardship from God for the common good.
Let’s all examine ourselves as we execute our entrusted duties and responsibilities. Are we driven by a commitment to serve for the good of others or to protect hidden self interests? Do we stir others towards a genuine cause or clandestinely building our own empires? So many are vocal and strife for leadership with evil intentions. Ultimately, we shall be accountable to God Who searches the motives of mens hearts.
Proverbs 3:27 “Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to act.”
Esther 10:3 "Mordecai the Jew was second in rank to King Xerxes, preeminent among the Jews, and held in high esteem by his many fellow Jews, because he worked for the good of his people and spoke up for the welfare of all the Jews."
Shalom children of God.