Thought for Friday, April 26th

April 26, 2013

The Barabbas Factor

  And Jesus stood before the governor: and the governor asked him, saying, Art thou the King of the Jews? And Jesus said unto him, Thou sayest. And when he was accused of the chief priests and elders, he answered nothing. Then said Pilate unto him, Hearest thou not how many things they witness against thee? And he answered him to never a word; insomuch that the governor marvelled greatly.  Now at that feast the governor was wont to release unto the people a prisoner, whom they would. And they had then a notable prisoner, called Barabbas.  Therefore when they were gathered together, Pilate said unto them, Whom will ye that I release unto you? Barabbas, or Jesus which is called Christ?  For he knew that for envy they had delivered him. When he was set down on the judgment seat, his wife sent unto him, saying, Have thou nothing to do with that just man: for I have suffered many things this day in a dream because of him. But the chief priests and elders persuaded the multitude that they should ask Barabbas, and destroy Jesus. The governor answered and said unto them, Whether of the twain will ye that I release unto you? They said, Barabbas.  Pilate saith unto them, What shall I do then with Jesus which is called Christ? They all say unto him, Let him be crucified.  And the governor said, Why, what evil hath he done? But they cried out the more, saying, Let him be crucified.  When Pilate saw that he could prevail nothing, but that rather a tumult was made, he took water, and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, I am innocent of the blood of this just person: see ye to it. Then answered all the people, and said, His blood be on us, and on our children.  Then released he Barabbas unto them: and when he had scourged Jesus, he delivered him to be crucified.

 Matthew 27:11-26

“He who cannot forgive a trespass of malice to his enemy, has never yet tasted the most sublime enjoyment of love.”

-          Johann Kaspar Lavater

What possible connection could Barabbas have with you and I?

First he was a sinner, guilty, and condemned: just like you and I were while we were still ensnared in our trespasses and sins.

He was mercifully freed and released through no righteous act of his own because Jesus became the sacrifice that took his place: again, just like you and I who were sentenced to death, but were given freedom because Jesus died in our place.

Barabbas didn’t deserve to be let go: he didn’t even get released from his sentence because of good behavior: but rather a blood thirsty mob, unbeknownst to themselves extended mercy where  no mercy was warranted so that they could condemn a guiltless man for no other reason than it accomplished the will of God.

It is God’s will that none should perish but rather that all would come to repentance and the acceptance of His gift of salvation.

Barabbas did not refuse His gift of freedom: how about you?

God is offering to set you free.  If you haven’t already are you wiling to accept His gift to you and accomplish His will for your life?

Prayer:

Father, I like Barabbas was guilty and condemned; but I am now free because of what you did for me.  I am so thankful.  Help me to show my gratitude by helping to point others to the same freedom I have received and by committing myself to praying for and working toward the liberation of all souls that are condemned unless they are freed by You.