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Devotions

He Released Barabbas

Matt 27:15-26

Barabbas was a scoundrel. He was worse than a scoundrel. He was a known criminal—imprisoned for committing murder.  He was scheduled to be crucified for the crimes he had committed. But now there seemed to be some confusion. From the dampness of his lonely dungeon he heard quite a commotion. The multitude outside seemed to be shouting his name. What was this they were yelling? “Barabbas,” he heard, “Give us Barabbas.” But he did not know what was going on. Were they calling for his death? Were they demanding his execution ahead of schedule?  He couldn’t be sure what was happening. Then as suddenly as it started, all became quite. The silence was worse than the shouting.

A few minutes later he heard the rattling of some keys and the clank the lock. His cell door swung open. In stepped the guards to take him away. Fear struck into his soul as never before. Barabbas was a strong man—big and well built. But now he felt too weak to stand. “This is it,” he thought. “Today is the day  I will die for my sins.”

Then one of the jailers said, “You are free to go.” What? Did he hear correctly? The jailer continued, “There will be an execution today, but it will not be yours. Jesus will be dying instead.”

“How can this be?” he thought. “I am guilty. I was convicted, sentenced and scheduled to be executed. But now I am going free.  And this man Jesus is dying in my place. Can it be true?”

My dear friends, yes, it is true. Such is the love of God. Like Barabbas you and I are guilty. We have sinned against God and deserve only His wrath and punishment.  But like Barabbas we are set free because Jesus died in our place. Jesus took upon himself the anger of God and paid the ultimate price for our sins. This was the plan of God from eternity and this plan Jesus willingly fulfilled because of His great love for Barabbas and for you.

Prayer: Jesus, I am sorry for my sins. I am sorry that because of me your death on the cross was necessary. Please help me to amend my sinful life. Help me to show you my thanks and appreciation by sharing your love with others. Amen