Before his crucifixion, Jesus was brought before Pilot who could find no fault with him. However, like many politicians today Pilot did not have the strength of his convictions. While he wanted to release Jesus, keeping his position and peace in the city, he yielded to the will of the people. He tried one more time using the annual tradition of releasing a prisoner from the Roman jail.
Hoping to sway the crowd he offered to release Jesus or Barabbas. Now Barabbas was a really bad buy – a murderer, a insurrectionist and no friend of the common people. However his plan failed, because it was not part of THE plan. The religious leaders whipped up the crowd to demand this dangerous man be released and assign Jesus to take the punishment due to him.
In many way we are like Barabbas. We may not have killed anyone, caused riots or committed a host of other offenses like this criminal of old – but we are just as guilty and and just as deserving of punishment. You don't have to be on the FBIs Ten Most Wanted List to be deserving of punishment. You can be a “good person” still not make the grade.
The thief on the cross next to Jesus realized he couldn't save himself and neither can we. But we have to accept this gift. The price has been paid... we just have to ask. The same punishment Jesus took for Barabbas he took for us. It is ours for the taking, if only we ask.
But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed. Isaiah 53:5
Comments
There are currently no blog comments.