21 The governor again said to them, “Which of the two do you want me to release for you?” And they said, “Barabbas.” 22 Pilate said to them, “Then what shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ?” They all said, “Let him be crucified!” ~ Matthew 27:21-22
2000 years ago, Jesus took the place of Barabbas, a notorious murderer, but who did Barabbas really represent? Jesus an innocent man, pure of heart and blessed by God, took the place of a rebellious murderer, us. Barabbas represents us. We were the rebellious murderer Jesus took the place for. We were the ones released from our prison of sin, forgiven of our debt, and set free in eternity.
Just like us, Barabbas didn’t deserve to be set free. Just like us Barabbas deserved his punishment, but thank God that Jesus has taken our place. Thank you, Jesus, for taking my yoke upon your shoulders. Thank you, Jesus, for taking my place on the cross. Thank you, Jesus, for shedding Your Holy and Precious blood so that we may be cleansed of all unrighteousness. We overlook Jesus taking the place of Barabbas because we don’t realize that Barabbas stood 2000 years representing us. We don’t realize the pain and suffering He went through for us. We don’t realize how much we don’t deserve to be free. We don’t realize the weight that was lifted off of us and put on Him.
Today as you remember the price that Jesus paid for us all, give Him the recognition He deserves. When you teach your children why we celebrate this day, don’t change the story. Don’t sugar coat it. As children, my sister and I were shown the Passion of The Christ, and every year we watch it as a family on this day to remember just what Jesus did for all of us. It wasn’t a few scratches and scrapes that He received. He was beaten until He was unrecognizable. He had to carry His cross to Golgotha (Calvary). He was spit upon and cursed. He was stripped naked. He was mocked and abused. A crown of thorns was pushed down onto His head. He was nailed to a tree. And He died. There is no easy way of saying this, and any less devolves just what He went through. Today I urge you all to take the time to truly remember what Jesus did for us and give Him the praise and the glory that He truly deserves.
Peace. Love. Go Forth and Remember.
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