The Trade-off!

“Who should I release to you, Jesus or Barabbas?” They shouted, “Barabbas!” “And what should I do with Jesus?” “Crucify Him!” Can you imagine the terror in Barabbas’ eyes, the consternation on his face as he gripped the prison bars in desperation, heart pounding with trepidation? All he could hear was, “Barabbas! . . . Crucify him!” He wondered what next, for there was silence from the judgment hall and silence in the prison, except for his pounding heart. Then the sound of footsteps broke his fearful silence. Soldiers! He heard their swift march. He heard the outer gate opened. He heard the inner gate opened, and each step of the Roman guard grew louder and more terrifying. He was about to die.

They came to his cell, unlocked it, came over to him and released his shackles and fetters. At this time he would have preferred the comfort of the cold concrete, and the freedom of the fetters than the dungeon of death . . . the carnage of crucifixion.

He was commanded to his feet. He was led out of the cell, through the inner gate and through the outer gate. The centurion said to Barabbas, “You are free to go.”

“What?”

“You are free to go.”

“Is this some sort of sick joke? I heard the crowd say ‘Barabbas! . . . crucify him!’ What do you mean I am free?”

The centurion, with sad, tearful eyes said to him, “Someone has taken your place at the cross.”

Astonished at such news, Barabbas shouted, “Yes! Aha! Great going man. Thanks.”

But as suddenly as he skipped off he stopped, turned to the motionless centurion and asked, “By the way, who took my place?”

“Jesus of Nazareth!”

And then there was silence!

What a trade-off!

Mercy rewrote my life

Mercy rewrote my life

I should have fallen, my soul cast down

But mercy rewrote my life

(Jimmy Swaggart)

"When He was on the cross, I was on His mind." (Ronald Payne & Ronny Hinson)

Thank You, Jesus.

What will you do with Jesus?

2012 September 22