19 While he was sitting on the judgment seat, his wife sent him a message, saying, “Have nothing to do with that righteous Man; for [b]last night I suffered greatly in a dream because of Him.” 20 But the chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowds to ask for Barabbas and to put Jesus to death. 21 But the governor [c]said to them, “Which of the two do you want me to release for you?” And they said, “Barabbas.” 22 Pilate *said to them, “Then what shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ?” They all *said, “[d]Crucify Him!” 23 And he said, “Why, what evil has He done?” But they kept shouting all the more, saying, “[e]Crucify Him!” Matthew 27:15-23
Barabbas (insurrection, rebel, murderer, thief). Nothing redeeming about him. He was guilty and condemned.
I'm Barabbas. We're all Barabbas.
18 "No one has seen God at any time; the only begotten God who is in the bosom of the Father, He has explained Him." John 1:18
"for all [a]have sinned and fall short of the glory of God," Romans 3:23
23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 6:23
Without the cross we're all Barabbas. We're rebellious, murderers, thieves.
Jesus was enough. Jesus lived the life we wouldn't and died the death we should have died.
The Law is an impossible standard.
All or none.
Sin or no sin.
We are no different than Barabbas.
18" But they cried out all together, saying, “Away with this man, and release for us Barabbas!” 19 (He was one who had been thrown into prison for an insurrection made in the city, and for murder.)" Lukw 23:18-19
Take Jesus. We don't want him. GIve us Barabbas.
Who does the world put up on a pedestal? The worst of the worst. People cheer for the bad guy.
Jesus said, "Take me instead."
Centurion in charge of 100 men. Best of the best. An experienced man.
He was given the task of executions. Seen it happen a lot.
54 "Now the centurion, and those who were with him keeping guard over Jesus, when they saw the earthquake and the things that were happening, became very frightened and said, “Truly this was [a]the Son of God!” Matthew 27:54
What changed him?
The sky went black and there was an earthquake. He saw Jesus mocked and whipped. He saw Jesus stay silent. He heard Jesus talk to his mother from the cross -- caring for her while he was being killed. He heard Jesus talk to the thief on the cross and tell him he'd be with Jesus in paradise. He heard Jesus ask God to forgive forgive the ones who crucified Him.
This was not normal -- never happened before during an execution.
Like the centurion we're holding the hammer in our hands.
Neither Barabbas or the Centurion are ever mentioned again. Both were at a decision point.
Now that you know, you have a decision to make. We know we're condemned.
Celebrate the resurrection. Completion of the sacrifice.
To accept or deny.
What is your decision?