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The Tradeoff



As we reflect on the events that led to the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus, and the implications of these events, we cannot but think very highly of God as having perfectly planned every of these events to the end that man will be forever free, never to be bound by any string of the evil one.


Of these events that led up to the death and resurrection of Jesus, this piece will concentrate on the tradeoff that saw Jesus heading for the cross, and Barabbas – a criminal, heading home a free man. 


We know from scriptures that the Jewish leaders of Jesus’ time took him to Pilate so that Pilate could pass the death sentence on Him. Obviously, they didn’t have the power to kill Jesus by themselves, but they could influence the one that had the authority to pass the death sentence. Pilate having examined the case, saw no need for Jesus to be imprisoned, much more to be executed.


In an attempt to release Jesus, after examining Him and finding no cause to pass the death sentence, Pilate reminded the people that he had the prerogative to release a prisoner to them to mark the Passover. I think that Pilate himself did not understand the turn of events that day, and he probably underestimated the resolve of the Jewish leaders to have Jesus killed at all cost. So, Pilate offered to release Jesus, knowing that the people really had nothing against him. To the greatest amazement, the people began to shout “Away with this man, and release unto us Barabbas.” (Lk.23:18)


Barabbas! Barabbas!!


How on earth is that even possible? To crucify an innocent man and release a notorious criminal.


They were saying we would rather have Barabbas walk free than this Jesus. But Barabbas was a robber and a murderer, perhaps the most notorious of his time, and the talk of town at that time. Certainly, he must have so terrorized society so much that everyone knew him. Possibly some of the people calling for his release were also his victims, and I am certain that the people must have been happy to know that he was in custody of the authorities given how dangerous he was. With the nature of his crime, his sentence was sure, he couldn’t have received anything short of the death sentence, but he has now been chosen to walk free, while the son of God was headed for the gruesome execution on the cross. What a turn of events!


The tradeoff of Jesus for Barabbas perfectly illustrates the love, mercy and the grace of God towards humanity. It really doesn’t matter how bad you may have lived, God accepts everyone equally with open arms, because Jesus has taken your place. This is the message of the cross –once you accept the sacrifice of Jesus, God sees you absolutely flawless on account of Jesus’ finished work.


Calvary covered it all.


Happy Resurrection!




 

Comments

  1. Anonymous8 April 2023 at 09:41

    Thank you so much, sir
    More of God's grace

    ReplyDelete
  2. Abraham16 April 2023 at 09:58

    Hallelujah, the trade-off turns sinners into saints. Many thanks for sharing. More Grace to you sir.

    ReplyDelete

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