False Dichotomies

You don't have to choose Barabbas.

It’s a pretty painful moment—even before the actual physical pain begins.

Something within the religious leaders ran so deep, so fearful or angry or calculating, that they preferred the release of an actual criminal over Jesus. Not a neutral third option. Not even an uncertain silence. But a declared choice: “Give us Barabbas.”

Now, as so often happens, the way the moment was framed gave the appearance that there were only two choices. This is so common when hidden agendas are at work. Those in power frame the options in a way that corners others into false choices. And when the framing is distorted, even the right answer seems impossible to choose.

Pilate, never missing an opportunity to mock and manipulate, offers what sounds like a fair question: “Should I release the king of the Jews?”

But it’s bait. If they say yes, they’re acknowledging Jesus as king. If they say no, the only other option is Barabbas—a known rebel and criminal.

But there are always other options. There is always the possibility of seeing rightly. Of refusing the script. Of stepping out of the setup.

The tragedy here is not just that Jesus is condemned. It’s that a crowd was convinced those were the only two choices—and they picked what felt like the lesser evil.

The Gospel doesn’t just ask us whether we’d choose Jesus over Barabbas. It asks whether we’re willing to live outside the dichotomies altogether. Whether we can follow truth, even when it doesn’t seem to fit the categories we’re given.

Because truth, after all, had already told them—“My kingdom is not from here.”

John 18:38b-19:3

After Pilate said this, he returned to the Jewish leaders and said, “I find no grounds for any charge against him. You have a custom that I release one prisoner for you at Passover. Do you want me to release for you the king of the Jews?”

They shouted, “Not this man! Give us Barabbas!” (Barabbas was an outlaw.)

Then Pilate had Jesus taken and whipped. The soldiers twisted together a crown of thorns and put it on his head, and dressed him in a purple robe. Over and over they went up to him and said, “Greetings, king of the Jews!” And they slapped him in the face.

Psalm 106:6-7a

We have sinned—right along with our ancestors. We’ve done what is wrong. We’ve acted wickedly. Our ancestors in Egypt didn’t understand your wondrous works. They didn’t remember how much faithful love you have.

Prayer

God,

We are surrounded by false choices. Two sides yelling, both sure they’re right. Leaders framing questions in ways that leave no room for truth—only outrage, fear, and loyalty to the loudest voice.

We confess how often we fall for it. How often we settle for the lesser evil, as if that’s what you’ve called us to. Forgive us when we choose Barabbas because the alternatives feel rigged. Forgive us when we echo the crowd instead of standing beside the Christ who suffers.

Teach us how to see differently. Give us eyes to recognize your kingdom—not in control, but in courage; not in winning, but in witness; not in power, but in peace.

By your Spirit & in Christ,
Amen.