Obedience. Rejection. Purpose. A message within the Easter story every leader needs to hear.
After hearing the Easter story countless times, I thought I knew it well. But this year, one moment hit me differently—like I was seeing it for the first time.
Why Barabbas?
The same crowd that had shouted “Hosanna!” just days earlier demanded the release of a violent criminal over Jesus—the innocent Savior who healed, taught, and loved them.
It’s jarring. But buried in that moment is a profound lesson for leaders in business and in life—a reminder about obedience, comparison, and calling.
Matthew 27:20–23 (NIV):
“But the chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowd to ask for Barabbas and to have Jesus executed.
‘Which of the two do you want me to release to you?’ asked the governor.
‘Barabbas,’ they answered.
‘What shall I do, then, with Jesus who is called the Messiah?’ Pilate asked.
They all answered, ‘Crucify him!’”
Pontius Pilate found no fault in Jesus. He tried to give the crowd an out. But they chose rebellion over righteousness, crime over compassion, and violence over virtue.
Why?
Because Jesus didn’t fit the image of the king they expected.
They wanted a revolutionary, not a servant. Power, not peace. And when He didn’t meet their expectations, they rejected Him.
It wasn’t that He did wrong—it was that He didn’t do what they wanted.
That hits home for every entrepreneur who’s followed God faithfully, only to feel overlooked—doing the right thing, staying the course, while others rise and you remain unseen.
Have you ever wondered why those chasing worldly success, cutting corners, or doing less seem to get all the funding, attention, and success?
I have.
When I launched the U.S. Christian Chamber of Commerce nearly two years ago, I knew I was following God’s call. But obedience didn’t bring instant success. It came with sacrifice, long hours, no paycheck—and a lot of prayers asking, “God, why not us?”
I’ll be honest: I compared myself to those who seemed to be thriving. It hurt to watch others get the funding while we labored in the shadows.
But learning how Jesus reacted that moment—when the crowd chose Barabbas—completely rewired me.
Jesus didn’t protest. He didn’t defend Himself. He didn’t demand to be seen.
“But Jesus gave him no answer, not even to a single charge, so that the governor was greatly amazed.”
— Matthew 27:14 (ESV)
- He stayed silent.
- He stayed surrendered.
- He stayed on mission.
Because Jesus knew His purpose was bigger than the moment.
And because of that obedience, something incredible happened for every one of us: salvation.
Watching how Jesus handled this moment reminded me:
The fastest way to kill something special is to compare it to something else.
So when I’m tempted to fall into the comparison trap, I’ll remember what Jesus taught me in this powerful moment.
- I won’t trade comparison for my calling.
- I won’t let bitterness steal my breakthrough.
- I will stay faithful. Keep showing up. And trust that God honors obedience.
When others succeed in the ways I’ve prayed to be blessed, I will celebrate them—and stay focused on my assignment.
Let’s face it—we’re all on a unique journey, but united in a Kingdom mission.
Let’s lead with everything we’ve got, holding nothing back, and trusting that in due season, He will bring the increase.
He is risen. Let’s live—and lead—like it!
