Our Place

Now it was the governor’s custom each year during the Passover celebration to release one prisoner to the crowd—anyone they wanted. This year there was a notorious prisoner, a man named Barabbas. As the crowds gathered before Pilate’s house that morning, he asked them, “Which one do you want me to release to you—Barabbas, or Jesus who is called the Messiah?” (He knew very well that the religious leaders had arrested Jesus out of envy.) (Matthew 27:15-19)

You probably know what happens next… The crowd yells to release Barabbas. And in so, demanding that Jesus is killed.

Although Barabbas was an enemy of Rome, he was likely a hero to the Jews. But the interesting thing is this, the very thing Barabbas was guilty of was the thing the Jews were accusing of Jesus. Jesus’ intention was not to overthrow a government but to overcome sin.

The beautiful thing is this; Christ took the place of Barabbas displaying exactly what He was going to do on the cross. He took the place of sinners, He was innocent but took the place of Barabbas and you. What a great display for each one of us to remember and recognize what Jesus came to do.

Stop right now and truly think… You are Barabbas, you were a sinner, you were guilty, you have done wrong and deserved the punishment, but your punishment is transferred over. You are no longer looked at as a sinner but as innocent. Christ has taken that identity to the cross where it was paid for. Recognize the amazing grace shown to you. Praise God for the new life that He offers.

So, with that knowledge how do you go about your day? Do you continue as is, in your old actions with your old identity? Or step into the new identity that you have in Christ? Walk in faith knowing that you are loved; you have been paid for, Jesus loves you and had paid the price to be reunited with you. So instead of running to your old ways, run to His arms.