You know me. I’m famous! I’m the guy who was on death row when Jesus stood in judgment before Pilate.
Unfortunately, my appeals were exhausted and a Roman cross had my name written all over it!
That is until Jesus took my place. That’s how I got free.
Yeah, I was guilty. I killed a few Romans. They all say Jesus was innocent though. I read later how Pilate’s wife even interrupted the trial to warn her husband:
While Pilate was sitting on the judge's seat, his wife sent him this message: "Don't have anything to do with that innocent man…"
I guess Pilate really wanted to let him go. Too bad for him though. The religious leaders stirred up the people and persuaded them to ask for my release instead.
Then they all cried out for Jesus to be crucified.
Pilate didn’t like it. He tried to argue with the crowd. I was afraid there for a minute they might change their minds. Lucky for me they were too worked up to think clearly!
That’s when Pilate called for a basin of water and washed his hands in front of the whole crowd – “I am innocent of this man's blood," he said. "It is your responsibility!"
It was great! I got off scott-free!
Things worked out unexpectedly well for me, don’t you think?
Hey, what are you staring at?
Don’t you Christians believe He died in your place too?
Yes, in a way we are all Barabbas.
ReplyDeleteI wonder if the Barabbas of scripture ever came to the knowledge of who it was that took his place.
I wonder if he ever was at least grateful.
I wonder if he ever thanked God that he escaped his punishment.
I wonder if maybe he changed his ways, and became a Christian.
Of course - all those questions apply to us as well.
How often are we grateful for Christ's sacrifice?
How often do we thank God that when he looks at us, he sees us clothed with Christ rather than with the filthy rags of our sins?
How often do we realize there are still things we need to change about our lives, and actually work at changing them?