Contrasting Two Messianic Figures: Spiritual Leadership Versus Revolutionary Action (04/20/'24) -Statement

Contrasting Two Messianic Figures: Spiritual Leadership Versus Revolutionary Action Living as one who is dead in Christ means embracing a life devoid of fear, secure in the eternal protection promised in Revelation 3:5. This principle challenges believers to die to worldly fears and live in the confidence of spiritual victory over the 'second death', a fate from which they are assured protection as highlighted in Revelation 2:11. This notion is further supported by various scriptural invitations to listen and understand the spiritual truths spoken to the churches, seen across passages like Mark 4:9, Matthew 11:15, 13:9, Luke 8:8, and Revelation 2:7,17. In the historical dilemma of Jesus versus Barabbas, we see a stark contrast between two types of messianic figures. Barabbas, known not just as a robber but as a key leader in a political uprising (John 18:40, Mark 15:7), and accused of murder (Luke 23:19, 25), embodies the archetype of a revolutionary messiah. His notoriety as a 'prominent resistance fighter', as Matthew describes him (Matthew 27:16), places him in direct opposition to Jesus, whose messianic mission was characterized by spiritual salvation rather than political liberation. This pivotal choice between Jesus and Barabbas symbolizes a deeper spiritual decision between following a path of divine redemption or seeking temporal, earthly solutions to spiritual problems. The question of who would be chosen today prompts a reflection on our personal and collective desires for the type of messiah we follow—be it one of spiritual renewal or revolutionary change. Pastor Steven G. Lee (April 20, 2024)