One quick thing: If you enjoy tonight’s reading, I think you’ll like the song “I am Barabbas” by Josiah Queen. Click to listen.
Story
The book of Matthew tells us a story about the governor’s custom to release a prisoner to the crowd at Passover.
The governor (Pilate) asked them, “Which of the two do you want me to release for you?” (Matthew 27:21a, CSB).
It’s between Barabbas or Jesus. Let’s look at them.
Barabbas was a murderer, robber, and guilty.
Jesus was a protector, provider, and innocent.
One kills and one saves. One takes and one gives. One is a criminal and one is a victim.
Here’s the catch: both were a prisoner. That’s strange.
The man covered in blood was the same as the man with clean hands.
Who is it the crowd wanted?
“‘Barabbas!’ they answered” (v. 21b).
“Pilate asked them, ‘What should I do then with Jesus?’” (v. 22a).
“Crucify him!”
“Why? What has he done wrong?”
“Crucify him!” (v. 22b-23).
…
“Crucify him!”
…
“His blood be on us!” (v. 25).
The clean man was crucified and the bloody man was made clean.
It doesn’t mean that Jesus is a murderer, but that Jesus died for a murderer.
He died for all of us.
There is evidence, but it can’t be used.
There is a confession, but it can’t be sentenced.
I deserve that punishment.
But it’s been paid.
If you see the evidence and confession(s) in your own life, then you can see that you are free, just like Barabbas.
Because it’s all been paid, every single crime.
Prayer
God, thank you for sending your son to die so that I could live. I believe that Jesus defeated death and that I am free. I confess these sins to you and know that I’m forgiven.
In Jesus’ name, amen.
Until next week — Aiden
PS: Hit reply, I read every email.