When God Says …
“But ye have a custom, that I should release unto you one at the passover: will ye therefore that I release unto you the King of the Jews? Then cried they all again, saying, Not this man, but Barabbas. Now Barabbas was a robber.” (John 18:39-40 KJV).
In these passages, two important figures are given: The Lord Jesus Christ, who they mockingly called the ‘King of the Jews’ and Barabbas who was a robber also identified as a notorious prisoner, an insurrectionist and a murderer (Matthew 27:16 KJV; Mark 15:7). These are key reveals, as it unlocks a very significant message for us to reflect on. Their names carry the parallel significance. Apostle Mathew’s account reveals that when Pilate says, "I am innocent of this man's blood; see to it yourselves." And all the people answered, "His blood be on us and our children!" (Mathew 27:24-25). That is such a very strong statement of hatred by the religious crowd.
At this point of the Lord’s trumped up trial, He was already cleared innocent twice. First, by Pilate early in the morning when He was brought in and Secondly, when He was sent to Herod who has jurisdiction over Galilee. But, he could not convict Him either. The Lord was sent back to Pilate for this present attempt by Pilate to clear Him. Pilate reminded everyone that both he, as the governor of Judea, and Herod, the tetrarch of Galilee, found no fault in Him. Realizing that he could not appease the religious Jews by just simply letting the Lord go, he offered to punish Him with Roman flogging before releasing, though now - three times he found the Lord innocent. But of course, the religious Jews were already set to have Him crucified, and they could not be satisfied.
Hoping the crowd would be behind him, Pilate found a way to consult them for a prisoner release using their Jewish tradition of Passover pardon. But as he asked them: ““Which of the two do you want me to release to you?” asked the governor. “Barabbas,” they answered.” (Matthew 27:21 NIV). They chose the sinful Barabbas, whose name means ‘son of the father’, that is of sinful Adam. And, had the sinless ‘Son of God the Father’ crucified. This reflects the Great Divine Exchange on the cross: The sinless Son of God to die for the sinful sons of Adam. Now, with our faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, we are led by the Spirit and made children (sons and daughters) of God (Romans 8:1-17). Scriptures reveal: “and he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised.” (2 Corinthians 5:15 ESV).
And I say, AMEN!
Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries
When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.
Partners For Christ Ministries, INC
P. O. Box 773716
Ocala, FL 34477
Touching lives in Cambodia, The Philippines, The Middle East, The USA, and... other countries.
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