WE ARE BARABBAS

bMatthew WEB
When therefore they were gathered together, Pilate said to them, “Whom do you want me to release to you? Barabbas, or Jesus who is called Christ?”

Dear Believer,

We must all remember the choice that the greedy leaders of Israel made between Jesus and a criminal. Pilate asked them to choose, and they chose Barabbas, a murderer. The criminal was spared while the innocent Christ was crucified.

What did Jesus and Barabbas have in common?

“Absolutely nothing,” you might say. But hear this:

The meaning of the name Barabbas is ‘son of a father,’ Jesus also was the Son of the Father. Can you see the connection?

To translate ‘Barabbas’ in a more nuanced way, it would mean ‘daddy’s boy.’ It appears the man was a brat; a boy raised and spoiled by his father. He was given everything he needed, yet turned out to be a robber. He wasn’t disciplined and directed, so he naturally ended up with bad gangs, becoming a murderer and then held by the government to be executed.

Imagine what passed through his mind as he was released so a righteous Person could be killed in his place. The Father’s Son died for a father’s son – the innocent for the guilty.

Matthew 27:21 WEB
But the governor answered them, “Which of the two do you want me to release to you?” They said, “Barabbas!”

If you were Barabbas, what would you do after you were freed? Would you go on a murdering spree or live for the man that died for you?

We are Barabbas. God’s Son took our place. He gave His life for us, and the least we could do is live for Him.

Israel’s religious leaders chose Barabbas and betrayed Jesus. What they didn’t know was that the Father also chose to give His Son, and the Son chose to give His life.

After the exchange, Barabbas must choose what to do with His life. He must choose how he’d use the new lease of life given him.

The spoiled ‘son of father’ must choose to either live for the ‘Son of the Father’s or take His sacrifice for granted.

It’s all about how you choose to receive the sacrifice of Christ. The world is in need of those who will appreciate the sacrifice of Jesus and fulfil His will.

Believer, live for Him. That is the least you can do. Don’t live like a spoiled child who has been given everything he needs but chooses to go into crime. You’ve been given all things that pertain until eternal life and godliness. (2Peter 1:3).

You are not permitted to live anyhow.

Rise up and live worthy of your calling.

You are blessed today in the name of Jesus.

Your friend,
Deon.