|
“Now at the feast he used to release for them one prisoner for whom they asked. And among the rebels in prison, who had committed murder in the insurrection, there was a man called Barabbas. And the crowd came up and began to ask Pilate to do as he usually did for them. And he answered them, saying, "Do you want me to release for you the King of the Jews?" For he perceived that it was out of envy that the chief priests had delivered him up. But the chief priests stirred up the crowd to have him release for them Barabbas instead. And Pilate again said to them, "Then what shall I do with the man you call the King of the Jews?" And they cried out again, "Crucify him." And Pilate said to them, "Why, what evil has he done?" But they shouted all the more, "Crucify him." So Pilate, wishing to satisfy the crowd, released for them Barabbas, and having scourged Jesus, he delivered him to be crucified.” - Mark 15: 6-15
Barabbas was a Zealot, a freedom fighter sworn to throw off Roman rule. Others saw him as a rebel, a revolutionary, a terrorist. Among the disciples Simon was a Zealot and Matthew a tax collector. It was Jesus’ influence that kept Simon’s knife out of Matthew’s heart.
Listen: Barabbas is speaking. “They call me Barabbas when they are not calling me much worse. I strangely escaped death by the skin of my teeth, or by another man’s crucifixion. I knew punishment was due me. I had lived by violence and crime and was expecting death soon. I hear the crowd shout my name. Pilot had asked “Who shall I release?” Then the crowd called my name.
What you call “Good Friday” was really good for me. Jesus Christ was bound that I might be free. Jesus Christ died on the cross that I might live. I was the law breaker what you call a sinner... quite a sinner. I deserved death, but somehow Jesus Christ took my place on that cross. I can’t explain it. I did experience it.
Jesus died for my sin. He the innocent atoned for me the guilty on the cross. You know, that is quite an amazing bit of Good News. I must tell others what Jesus has done for me. He died in my place. He was crucified that I might go free. Jesus died that I might live and be saved. It is amazing.”
When you thing about it, each of us can witness as could Barabbas.
Prayer: It is an awesome and humbling experience to be died for, Oh God. We appreciate Jesus for taking our place on the cross. We appreciate His resurrection. Help us to prepare to Celebrate Good Friday and Easter Sunday this year. In Jesus name, Amen .
Mason Brown
Retired Clergy
Calvary Baptist Church
Denver, CO
|
|
-Read past thoughts-
|
