Matthew 27:1-31
Today's Passage: Matthew 27:1-31
The story of Jesus and Barabbas is convincing, to say the least. It gives a glimpse of our salvation story and reminds us just how much grace we have received. Jesus gives us an example of substitutionary atonement in the process of atoning for our sins.
Jesus is on trial for baseless crimes. The religious leaders and the crowd were making up false testimonies against Jesus. They wanted him gone because they were losing popularity and power with the people.
Barabbas, on the other hand, was a renowned criminal. The other gospels explain that he was a violent insurrectionist, revolutionary, and a notorious criminal. What’s interesting is that Barabbas means “son of the father.” So in many ways, he stands in direct contrast with Jesus. Jesus is the true son of the Father. Jesus was a revolutionary who brought the kingdom of God. Yet it was Jesus who was crucified - and Barabbas was set free. Jesus died the death that Barabbas deserved
It is in this surprising substitution that we see our place in this story. You and I are Barabbas. We were named sons of the Father, but we ran in opposition to His kingdom. We chose violence, death, and sin. We were tried, convicted, and sentenced to die, but Jesus died in our place. Paying our eternal debt with his divine blood and atoning for our sins. He died and we were set free.
This exchange is called “substitutionary atonement.” Christ died in our place for our sins and we received His righteousness and life.
How should Jesus’ substitutionary atonement change our outlook on life?
How should it impact our worship?
Written By: Joe Weaver
The story of Jesus and Barabbas is convincing, to say the least. It gives a glimpse of our salvation story and reminds us just how much grace we have received. Jesus gives us an example of substitutionary atonement in the process of atoning for our sins.
Jesus is on trial for baseless crimes. The religious leaders and the crowd were making up false testimonies against Jesus. They wanted him gone because they were losing popularity and power with the people.
Barabbas, on the other hand, was a renowned criminal. The other gospels explain that he was a violent insurrectionist, revolutionary, and a notorious criminal. What’s interesting is that Barabbas means “son of the father.” So in many ways, he stands in direct contrast with Jesus. Jesus is the true son of the Father. Jesus was a revolutionary who brought the kingdom of God. Yet it was Jesus who was crucified - and Barabbas was set free. Jesus died the death that Barabbas deserved
It is in this surprising substitution that we see our place in this story. You and I are Barabbas. We were named sons of the Father, but we ran in opposition to His kingdom. We chose violence, death, and sin. We were tried, convicted, and sentenced to die, but Jesus died in our place. Paying our eternal debt with his divine blood and atoning for our sins. He died and we were set free.
This exchange is called “substitutionary atonement.” Christ died in our place for our sins and we received His righteousness and life.
How should Jesus’ substitutionary atonement change our outlook on life?
How should it impact our worship?
Written By: Joe Weaver
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