Jesus Rejected

In the hours before his crucifixion, Jesus experiences near universal rejection. He is dismissed by the religious leaders, the crowds, the Roman establishment, and the regional Jewish leader, Herod. In a moment of sad irony, the crowds reject Jesus in favor of a “notorious prisoner called Barabbas” (Matthew 27.16). In this narrative, we have an illustration of the gospel, the one righteous man in exchange for the wretched sinner. May we appreciate what Jesus accomplished for those who believe in Him.