SOAP
S – Scripture
John 18:40 (NKJV)... View MoreSOAP
S – Scripture
John 18:40 (NKJV)
“Then they all cried again, saying, ‘Not this Man, but Barabbas!’ Now Barabbas was a robber.”
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O – Observation
The choice of Barabbas over Jesus exposes the pride of man and the reality of humanity’s fallen nature. Though created for fellowship with God, mankind lives in a fallen state, inclined toward self-rule rather than surrender. Just days earlier, the same crowd cried “Hosanna!” as Jesus entered Jerusalem on a colt, welcoming Him as King. Yet now they reject the Truth, the Light of the world, their Creator, and the Bread of Life.
This reversal reveals how easily the human heart is influenced by its surroundings. Scripture warns that counsel and companionship shape our thinking; those we are yoked to influence our mindset. When people remain connected to the world, they begin to adopt the world’s thinking—resisting truth and rejecting righteousness. In this moment, the crowd moves as one voice, driven not by conviction but by collective influence.
Barabbas, a robber, reflects the nature of the enemy who comes to steal, kill, and destroy. Jesus, by contrast, confronts sin and calls for humility, repentance, and obedience. The people choose Barabbas because he demands nothing of them, while Jesus challenges pride, authority, and self-righteousness. This moment mirrors the fall in the garden, where Adam and Eve listened to the wrong voice and rejected God’s word.
John 18:40 stands as a sobering picture of the human condition: fallen man often rejects truth not because it is unclear, but because it requires surrender. Allegiance to worldly voices dulls discernment, and praise quickly turns into rejection when truth confronts the heart.
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A – Application
Today, I must examine whose voice and mindset are shaping my life. I do not want to drift into the same pattern of the crowd—praising Jesus when it is convenient, yet resisting Him when His truth challenges my will. To live differently, I must intentionally pursue the mind of Christ.
Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God. If my mind is to be renewed, I must consistently read, meditate on, and submit to Scripture. I choose to guard my relationships, seek godly counsel, and remain yoked to Christ rather than the world.
Practically, this means prioritizing time with God throughout my day—morning, noon, and night—allowing His Word to shape my desires, strengthen my faith, and keep my heart sensitive to truth. By doing so, I resist pride and walk in humility, obedience, and surrender.
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P – Prayer
Father God,
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Remove anything in me that reflects pride, self-reliance, or resistance to Your truth. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation and renew within me a right spirit.
Place within me a deep and lasting hunger for Your Word. Help me to seek You in the morning, at noon, and at night, so that my mind is continually renewed and aligned with the mind of Christ. Guard my heart from worldly influence and surround me with godly counsel.
Sustain me by Your Spirit. Teach me to walk in humility, obedience, and surrender. I choose life. I choose truth. I choose to follow Him. In Jesus name amen
