“Therefore, when they had gathered together Pilate said to them, ‘Whom do you want me to release to you? Barabbas, or Jesus who is called the Christ?’ For he knew that they had handed Him over because of envy.” – Matthew 27: 17-18
The scene is heartbreaking: Barabbas, a violent and guilty prisoner, is released, while Jesus—innocent, pure, and without fault—is handed over to be beaten, mocked, and crucified. The religious leaders and the crowds were so blinded by sin that they chose darkness over light. What began as subtle jealousy had now grown into full‑blown hatred. Sin always works this way. It starts quietly, almost unnoticed, but if left alone, it grows until it takes over the heart and blinds the eyes.
These religious leaders knew the law. They knew the command not to bear false witness, yet they broke it repeatedly. Their envy of Jesus pushed them to ignore Scripture, twist truth, and stir up lies. Pilate himself recognized their motives, knowing they delivered Jesus up “because of envy.” Envy is a dangerous poison—it rejoices when others fall and resents when others rise. These leaders were glad to see Jesus suffer simply because His truth exposed their pride. He was crucified not for wrongdoing, but for declaring who He truly was.
This story forces us to look inward. Are there places in our hearts where sin has been allowed to settle? Is there envy, bitterness, or resentment toward someone in our lives? If left unchecked, these things can grow until they distort our vision and harden our hearts. Jesus said that if we love Him, we will obey Him—and in situations like this, He calls us to radical obedience (Matthew 5:23–24). He calls us to deal with issues quickly, humbly, and honestly before they take root.
Today, take a moment to examine your heart. Is there someone you resent, envy, or quietly hope will fail? Is there a wound you’ve allowed to fester? Bring it to Jesus. Ask Him to cleanse your heart, soften your spirit, and help you obey His call to reconciliation. Choose humility over pride, forgiveness over bitterness, and love over envy. When we walk in obedience, we reflect Christ to a world desperate for His light.
“Beware of no man more than of yourself; we carry our worst enemies within us.” — C.H. Spurgeon
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