You, Me ... and Barabbas

Yep, we've arrived at this terrible day, Good Friday. A day soaked in sorrow. And yet, a day overflowing with a staggering love; a love unsurpassed in all of human history; God's love … for you! If you've been able to join me through Fresh this week, you'll know that we've been putting the relationship between Jesus and Barrabas under the microscope – and for good reason. Both went before Pontius Pilate on that day - Jesus, the One who knew no sin, and Barabbas, who was guilty as sin. Let's recap briefly. Who is Barabbas? A murderer, a rebel, guilty beyond dispute. And yet, at Passover, he walked free. His name, "Bar Abba", literally translated, means son of the father. In his place, Jesus, the true Son of the Father, was flogged, mocked, and crucified. Jesus didn't just die for Barabbas. He died instead of Barabbas. And that's where it gets personal. Because you and I are Barabbas. We've all turned our backs on God. We've all missed the point. Romans 3:22-25 For there is no distinction, since all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God; they are now justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God put forward as a sacrifice of atonement by his blood, effective through faith. (NRSV) And there it is! The heart of the Gospel! The Good News of Jesus. We're guilty. And justice demands punishment. But God is not only just — He is love. And in His love, He faced the greatest dilemma: How to uphold justice and still save us? There was only one way: that "Jesus gave his life as a ransom for many" (Matthew 20:28); "…that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone." (Hebrews 2:9) On that cross, Jesus bore your sin and mine. He drank the cup of justice so we could receive mercy. "It is finished." (John 19:30) This is the scandal of the cross: the guilty go free: that the Son of God was crucified… so that we may live. You are loved. You are forgiven. Because Jesus took your place. Put your faith in Him! That's God's Word. Fresh … for you … today.