WALK OF LIFE – Day 22, March 2021 – The CROSS of Calvary
STATIONS OF THE CROSS – Taking Place Of Barabass
“Now at the feast the governor was accustomed to releasing to the multitude one prisoner whom they wished. And at that time they had a notorious prisoner called Barabbas. Therefore, when they had gathered together, Pilate said to them, “Whom do you want me to release to you? Barabbas, or Jesus who is called Christ?” For he knew that they had handed Him over because of envy.“ (Matthew 27:15-18)
The Jewish religious leaders were so envious of Christ, they handed Him over to the authorities for punishment, despite Christ being totally innocent and sinless. This should encourage all who face injustice. Christ knows how you feel. Christ willingly and humbly took our place to receive the punishment for our sins and save us.
John 18:39-40 quickly tells us how the innocent and sinless took the place of a criminal:
Mark 15:7 tells us who Barabbas was and what he did to be imprisoned under Pilate’s custody:
“And there was one named Barabbas, who was chained with his fellow rebels; they had committed murder in the rebellion.”
Matthew 27:16 even describes him as “a notorious prisoner.”
In short, Barabbas was a notorious prisoner who was both a robber and a murderer. He was rightly imprisoned for his crimes, and it was right for him to be held under Pilate’s custody. What we find amazing here is that, although Christ’s detractors were the ones who demanded that Barabbas be released in exchange for Christ, He still took the place of this criminal.
Jesus was the one who received the beatings, the sufferings, and the death on the cross. Barabbas, on the other hand, was given another chance to live right.
Such is the love that Christ had for us.
My dear brother or sister Are you in a state of discouragement that you have been accused unjustly? Everything that Jesus did on earth is a testament to God’s love and grace over our lives. He perfectly showed us just how good and merciful God really is, even when He was treated unjustly. Our Lord has borne all the injustice on the cross and there lies the justice and righteousness. Come to the cross and place all the unrighteousness and the injustice done to you. Our Lord will truly fight for you and will bring all darkness into light. Hold your peace.
Then shall ye return, and discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not.
– Malachi 3:18
