Every choice in life can yield eternal consequences, some vastly significant, some of lesser importance. No clearer demonstration exists than the many decisions surrounding Christ’s crucifixion. The Jews had unjustly delivered Jesus to the governor. As a gesture to the people at the Roman feast, Pilate frequently released to them a prisoner. In this instance, he gave the Jews a choice between two prisoners—a vile man or the innocent Son of God. Barabbas was justly imprisoned as a robber (John 18:40) and murderer (Mark 15:7). This simple decision turned quite complex for the Jews. The people rejected the sinless Son of God and chose to release a guilty man. With evil hearts and wicked intentions, they cried out for the release of Barabbas. Making matters worse, they demanded that Jesus be crucified though He had done nothing worthy of death. The people became pawns of Satan though they were unaware that Jesus was born to die. He was brought to this point to bear the very sin they just committed, along with the sins of the whole world.
The gospel according to Matthew points to the fowls of the air and the lilies of the field as examples of God’s supernatural provisionsfor His creation. God in His goodness feeds the fowls and clothes the lilies. How much more will He do for man? Since God provides for the lesser things, He tells man not to worry about what he will have to eat, drink, or how he will be clothed. Instead of focusing on one's needs, man should direct his thoughts toward God's kingdom and His righteousness. God provides man with food and raiment and instructs him to be content with such things. The scripture also rebukes the faithless by encouraging men to trust God for their necessary provisions. It is important to note that God's supernatural provisions do not advocate laziness or condone an unwillingness to work (2 Thessalonians 3:10). He simply expects man to trust Him fully and completely.
One’s actions demonstrate true compassion. Five times the Bible uses the phrase moved with compassion (Matthew 9:36; Matthew 14:14; Matthew 18:27; Mark 1:41; Mark 6:34). Four of the five references refer to Christ’s compassion toward others. True compassion always moves people to do something for others. In Mark 6:34-44, the disciples wanted to send the crowd away hungry, but Christ refused to send them away empty. He would not allow the multitudes to leave His presence still in need. In this one example, Christ's compassion fed thousands when others would have sent them away faint and hungry. The Lord not only fed thousands with two small fishes and five loaves of bread, but also produced a miraculous amount of leftovers.
