Just Like Barabbas~

A post-Easter greeting to all ~

Yesterday was such a beautiful day, and I am not talking about the weather! It was beautiful because we celebrated the resurrection of Christ, and it was a time of getting together, counting blessings, and remembering His sacrifice.

Mark 15:15 “Pilate set Barabbas free and turned Jesus over for whipping and crucifixion.”

By the time we get to this verse, Jesus has already been arrested. We also learn that it was a custom during the Passover season to release any prisoner for any reason. Weird tradition, but nonetheless, instead of releasing our innocent Christ, Barabbas – a murderer –was set free.

Anyone who has seen a passion play or movie can hardly stand to witness the whipping and crucifixion of Christ. Yesterday in church they put on a play where an actor was literally put on a cross, and it was tough. But what really got to me was when Joseph of Arimathea tenderly took Jesus’ body off the cross to provide a proper burial. My whole family and I were seated a few rows back of this simple presentation, but it was impactful. I could scarcely breathe, if I am being honest. Jesus should have never been up there to begin with. He didn’t do anything wrong. Barabbas, on the other hand, he should have died. I wouldn’t have felt so bad either. Barabbas was a murderer, so he deserved it, right?

And then God spoke to my heart: “Yenisita, You are like Barabbas.”

“Say what? I ain’t never killed no body.”

“No, my precious girl, you haven’t. There’s a bunch of stuff you haven’t done and never will. But are you perfect? You still need forgiveness, don’t you? You still need Jesus, don’t you?”

“Yes I do – a lot – every second of every day I need Him.”

“Jesus took Barabbas’ place and yours. You are free.”

“Thank You, my Lord, I love You.”

“And I love you, Yenisita.”

When we do something wrong there’s a price to pay. But we don’t have to pay for our sins; Jesus did. All we have to do is live our life with the freedom we have been given.

How do we do that? (Mañana).

PRAYER: Dear Lord, Thank You for speaking into our hearts. We have been set free to love this life and live it to the full. We have been set free to love others and help them understand their freedom as well. Show us how. In Jesus’ name, AMEN~