Before His crucifixion, Jesus Christ stood before a Governor named Pontius Pilate who would make a decision whether to release Him or have Him crucified. Because of a yearly custom, the Governor released a criminal that would otherwise have been crucified. He gave them the choice of a notorious criminal named Barabbas or Jesus, who was innocent of all charges levied against Him. The sad fact is that the people were persuaded, through a jealous group of religious leaders, to have Barabbas released and Jesus crucified. As a result of their decision, Pilate asked this question, “What shall I do, then, with Jesus who is called the Messiah?”. The answer from the crowd was that they wanted Him crucified.

That answer led to the greatest sacrifice made for mankind; Jesus Christ gave up His life for the sins of the world.

But in order for it to make a difference to us as individuals, we have to make the question asked by Pilate personal. What will I do with this one called the Messiah? We only have two choices: reject Him or choose to be one of His followers. There is a consequence or each choice; it really comes down to heaven or hell.

The great news is that we get to choose.