How can we avoid making choices based on popular opinion, like in Matthew 27:21? The Crowd’s Choice and Our Choice “Which of the two do you want me to release to you?” asked the governor. “Barabbas,” they replied. (Matthew 27:21) Pilate lets the multitude decide, and they pick the violent rebel over the sinless Son of God. The episode warns how quickly a crowd can drown out truth, mercy, and reason. Why the Crowd Can Be Wrong • Crowds are swayed by emotion, not conviction (Matthew 27:23–24). • Popular opinion often appeals to the flesh (Genesis 6:5). • Scripture forbids following a sinful majority: “You shall not follow a crowd in wrongdoing.” (Exodus 23:2) • The fear of man entraps: “The fear of man is a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is set securely on high.” (Proverbs 29:25) Grounding Our Decisions in God’s Word • Scripture, not sentiment, is the final authority. “All Scripture is God-breathed … so that the man of God may be complete.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17) • God’s Word lights the path when culture grows dark. “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” (Psalm 119:105) • Renewal of the mind guards against conformity: “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” (Romans 12:2) Practical Safeguards Against Crowd Pressure • Seek God’s wisdom first. “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God … and it will be given to him.” (James 1:5) • Listen for the still, small voice above the roar (1 Kings 19:12). • Measure every choice against clear biblical commands. • Invite accountability from wise, godly friends—“As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.” (Proverbs 27:17) • Slow down major decisions; haste magnifies peer influence (Proverbs 19:2). • Remember future judgment: “We must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ.” (2 Corinthians 5:10) Living to Please One Master • Only one opinion ultimately matters. “Am I now seeking the approval of men, or of God? … If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ.” (Galatians 1:10) • The apostles modeled civil yet courageous obedience: “We must obey God rather than men.” (Acts 5:29) • Jesus reminds us whom to fear: “Do not fear those who kill the body … instead fear the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.” (Matthew 10:28) A Steady Heart in Unsteady Times When the crowd shouts “Barabbas,” hold firmly to the unchanging Word. Let Scripture shape convictions, let prayer steady the mind, and let the fear of the Lord eclipse the fear of people. Then, whatever the majority demands, your choices will honor the One who chose the cross for you. |
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