Good news
The barrabas is us all
Matthew 27: 15-23
15 Now it was the governor’s custom at the festival to release a prisoner chosen by the crowd. 16 At that time they had a well-known prisoner whose name was Jesus[a] Barabbas. 17 So when the crowd had gathered, Pilate asked them, “Which one do you want me to release to you: Jesus Barabbas, or Jesus who is called the Messiah?” 18 For he knew it was out of self-interest that they had handed Jesus over to him.
19 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, for I have suffered a great deal today in a dream because of him.”
20 But the chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowd to ask for Barabbas and to have Jesus executed.
21 “Which of the two do you want me to release to you?” asked the governor.
“Barabbas,” they answered.
22 “What shall I do, then, with Jesus who is called the Messiah?” Pilate asked.
They all answered, “Crucify him!”
23 “Why? What crime has he committed?” asked Pilate.
But they shouted all the louder, “Crucify him
Allow me to bring your attention to this passage in the bible. Which to me is the perfect painted picture of Gods love for us. Just as we read in John 3: 16.. for God so loved the world that he gave his only son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. Beautiful.
Through the key hole
The death of Jesus Christ by anyone standard when reading it: was brutal. I wouldn't wish that kind of death on an enemy. For those reading this and haven't a clue how he died. Let me fill you in. He was whipped by the Roman soldiers with the kind of whips that had bones and sharp metal pieces on them, that would do a fair bit of damage to any flesh it grabbed hold of. They whipped him 39 times as any more and he wouldn't have been able to make it to the cross let alone carry his cross to its destination. Once he carried this heavy cross to its final placement, he was nailed to it. The final torture in that horribly damaged body would be that he had to hold himself up to breath. For an innocent mans death, it's enough to make you feel sick. So why would the God allow such a death??? The brutality of Jesus death (I don't think) was Gods intention, but it does show how wicked, sinful and disconnected we are from God. And through the sheer adrenaline of it the soldiers got carried away. The devil thought he was winning, with every cut, whip and blood spilt. But each cut, each whip was a sacrifice overcoming the sting of eternal death lead by sin, and healing for future generations. Isaiah 53 verse 5: But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.
Please bare in mind Jesus chose to die for us. He could of pulled out at any time but instead chose the will of God. Luke 22 verse 42: Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done."
Why would he do such a thing and die for people who reject him?? You see before Jesus, under the old covenant. The only way man would be seen as clean before God. Was that People were given specific animals to sacrifice for their sins. This wasn't the way God wanted it but he also couldn't have a relationship with evil. In other words sin. And as much as we all hate to admit it the bible says we all fall short of Gods glory. And animal blood wasnt quite making the cut. There needed to be a once and for all sacrifice. But people weren't holy enough to accomplish such an act. Be honest would you come forward and say yeah I'd die for the entire world. Every criminal, no matter how great or small their crime is. Think of the most disgusting, unforgivable thing anyone could do. Now would you die for a person like that. Truthfully no one in their right mind would. We would refer see them rot. Am I right. So Jesus, Gods precious son chose to do the one thing that would reunite us to the creator. Think of your own parent. Or someone you love so much.. you'd do anything to make them happy. I think that's the best way to explain this topic in human understanding. Such love. And all so we can have a relationship with God like it was intended right at the beginning of creation. Thank you Jesus.
Now let's take a look at the other figure mentioned in these short verses. Barrabas: or his full name Jesus barrabas. This guy as we read was notorious. Meaning he was well known for all the wrong reason. If he got a criminal record check, he would be black listed till his death. He wasnt your average person, he was a vicious criminal. Yet out of sheer jealousy the jewish leaders would rather see this criminal back on the streets than Jesus. A man who was innocent. It really makes no sense, until you step back from the key hole view and see what God is truly doing.
The bigger picture
The overall picture of these few short verses is God telling the world I love you..
You see the notorious sinner who deserved to die was released from captivity that was jail and instead the son of God, an innocent man sacrificed himself so we can be set free by his precious blood and salvation can be ours. Should we chose to recieve it. How do we recieve, simply by asking Jesus into your life and believing he died and rose again for your sins.
Our lives
This story can relate to our lives. Just like in our lives, what is happening doesn't always make sense, and alot of the time it looks like the devil (who is behind the scenes of our pain and chaos) is getting away with it. Mean while God is working all things out for the good of those who love him, in the background. And victory charges forth and glory to God on high. Hallelujah.
Let's pray
Father I thank you for your word. And the treasures It holds...about your precious unconditional love for us. Help us to realise your love and to forward such love to those around us. Lord you understand we find it hard to overcome hurt by others. Help us overcome pain and love how you love. Give grace how you give grace. Father I pray for the person reading this that where ever they are, they have a fresh encounter of you and are overwhelmed by your peace and love. May they see themselves and others through your beautiful eyes. We can't do such a task without you. Thank you for the perfect sacrifice found through the death of Jesus. Forgive us for our wrongs. And help us build a relationship with you. In Jesus name amen
Through the key hole
The death of Jesus Christ by anyone standard when reading it: was brutal. I wouldn't wish that kind of death on an enemy. For those reading this and haven't a clue how he died. Let me fill you in. He was whipped by the Roman soldiers with the kind of whips that had bones and sharp metal pieces on them, that would do a fair bit of damage to any flesh it grabbed hold of. They whipped him 39 times as any more and he wouldn't have been able to make it to the cross let alone carry his cross to its destination. Once he carried this heavy cross to its final placement, he was nailed to it. The final torture in that horribly damaged body would be that he had to hold himself up to breath. For an innocent mans death, it's enough to make you feel sick. So why would the God allow such a death??? The brutality of Jesus death (I don't think) was Gods intention, but it does show how wicked, sinful and disconnected we are from God. And through the sheer adrenaline of it the soldiers got carried away. The devil thought he was winning, with every cut, whip and blood spilt. But each cut, each whip was a sacrifice overcoming the sting of eternal death lead by sin, and healing for future generations. Isaiah 53 verse 5: But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.
Please bare in mind Jesus chose to die for us. He could of pulled out at any time but instead chose the will of God. Luke 22 verse 42: Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done."
Why would he do such a thing and die for people who reject him?? You see before Jesus, under the old covenant. The only way man would be seen as clean before God. Was that People were given specific animals to sacrifice for their sins. This wasn't the way God wanted it but he also couldn't have a relationship with evil. In other words sin. And as much as we all hate to admit it the bible says we all fall short of Gods glory. And animal blood wasnt quite making the cut. There needed to be a once and for all sacrifice. But people weren't holy enough to accomplish such an act. Be honest would you come forward and say yeah I'd die for the entire world. Every criminal, no matter how great or small their crime is. Think of the most disgusting, unforgivable thing anyone could do. Now would you die for a person like that. Truthfully no one in their right mind would. We would refer see them rot. Am I right. So Jesus, Gods precious son chose to do the one thing that would reunite us to the creator. Think of your own parent. Or someone you love so much.. you'd do anything to make them happy. I think that's the best way to explain this topic in human understanding. Such love. And all so we can have a relationship with God like it was intended right at the beginning of creation. Thank you Jesus.
Now let's take a look at the other figure mentioned in these short verses. Barrabas: or his full name Jesus barrabas. This guy as we read was notorious. Meaning he was well known for all the wrong reason. If he got a criminal record check, he would be black listed till his death. He wasnt your average person, he was a vicious criminal. Yet out of sheer jealousy the jewish leaders would rather see this criminal back on the streets than Jesus. A man who was innocent. It really makes no sense, until you step back from the key hole view and see what God is truly doing.
The bigger picture
The overall picture of these few short verses is God telling the world I love you..
Our lives
This story can relate to our lives. Just like in our lives, what is happening doesn't always make sense, and alot of the time it looks like the devil (who is behind the scenes of our pain and chaos) is getting away with it. Mean while God is working all things out for the good of those who love him, in the background. And victory charges forth and glory to God on high. Hallelujah.
Let's pray
Father I thank you for your word. And the treasures It holds...about your precious unconditional love for us. Help us to realise your love and to forward such love to those around us. Lord you understand we find it hard to overcome hurt by others. Help us overcome pain and love how you love. Give grace how you give grace. Father I pray for the person reading this that where ever they are, they have a fresh encounter of you and are overwhelmed by your peace and love. May they see themselves and others through your beautiful eyes. We can't do such a task without you. Thank you for the perfect sacrifice found through the death of Jesus. Forgive us for our wrongs. And help us build a relationship with you. In Jesus name amen
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