Jesus ou Barrabás?

Chagas Sobrinho's song "Jesus ou Barrabás?" delves into the timeless moral and spiritual dilemma that humanity faces. The lyrics draw a parallel between the biblical account of Jesus Christ's crucifixion and contemporary society's ongoing choices between righteousness and sin. The song opens by highlighting that even after two millennia, people continue to metaphorically crucify Jesus by choosing paths of injustice and immorality, represented by Barabbas, a criminal who was freed instead of Jesus.

The narrative of the song recounts the moment when Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor, presented the crowd with a choice: to free Jesus or Barabbas. The crowd chose to free Barabbas, condemning Jesus to crucifixion. This historical event is used as a metaphor for the choices people make today, often prioritizing material wealth and power over spiritual integrity and justice. The repetition of the question, "Jesus ou Barrabás, quem morre? Quem vive?" serves as a poignant reminder of the consequences of our choices.

The song also poses a direct question to the listener: "De que lado você está? De qual multidão você faz parte?" This invites introspection and self-examination, urging individuals to reflect on their own values and decisions. Despite the grim portrayal of societal choices, the song ends on a hopeful note, affirming that Jesus is no longer crucified but has risen and reigns eternally. This message of resurrection and eternal reign offers a sense of hope and redemption, encouraging listeners to choose righteousness and glorify Jesus in their lives.