April 17th, 2025
Thursday, April 17th
Barabbas and I
Anna Williams
There are so many moving pieces to the account of Jesus’ trial. We see the judicial process of the conquering Romans, the politics of the religious leaders and the crowd work of the rebels. Recent events with prisoner exchanges in parts of our world today deepen our level of relatability.
“But the mob shouted louder and louder, demanding that Jesus be crucified, and their voices prevailed. So Pilate sentenced Jesus to die as they demanded. As they had requested, he released Barabbas, the man in prison for insurrection and murder. But he turned Jesus over to them to do as they wished.” -Luke 23:23-25 NLT
It’s easy to resent the injustice of the life of a man like Barabbas being traded for the life of Jesus. We know Jesus could have stopped it at any moment, but he chose not to. Why? Jesus knew that Barabbas would merely be the first of countless lives that he would trade his own to save.
Without the grace and forgiveness of God, each of us belong under the column of SINNER with Barabbas – not under the column of SINLESS like Jesus. It is only through the miraculous saving grace of his sacrifice upon the cross that we have any chance of freedom and eternal life.
What did Jesus wipe clean from your past that you can praise him for today? How has he changed your life after you made him Lord of it? Reflect on those things as you go about your day.
Barabbas and I
Anna Williams
There are so many moving pieces to the account of Jesus’ trial. We see the judicial process of the conquering Romans, the politics of the religious leaders and the crowd work of the rebels. Recent events with prisoner exchanges in parts of our world today deepen our level of relatability.
“But the mob shouted louder and louder, demanding that Jesus be crucified, and their voices prevailed. So Pilate sentenced Jesus to die as they demanded. As they had requested, he released Barabbas, the man in prison for insurrection and murder. But he turned Jesus over to them to do as they wished.” -Luke 23:23-25 NLT
It’s easy to resent the injustice of the life of a man like Barabbas being traded for the life of Jesus. We know Jesus could have stopped it at any moment, but he chose not to. Why? Jesus knew that Barabbas would merely be the first of countless lives that he would trade his own to save.
Without the grace and forgiveness of God, each of us belong under the column of SINNER with Barabbas – not under the column of SINLESS like Jesus. It is only through the miraculous saving grace of his sacrifice upon the cross that we have any chance of freedom and eternal life.
What did Jesus wipe clean from your past that you can praise him for today? How has he changed your life after you made him Lord of it? Reflect on those things as you go about your day.
Recent
Archive
2025
January
Paralysis of AnalysisA Daily CommitmentChild Like FaithThe Battle of the MindGPSSTOP. THINK. ACT. REVIEW.Let. It. Go.Choosing the Path of MercyQuick to Listen, Slow to SpeakPeacemakersBe Careful What You Wish ForRunYour Old Self Vs. The NewOn Not Loving the WorldLove One AnotherTreasure ChestsWho Sets the Bar?Be the You God Made You to BeTread a PathSo Much Better
February
Trust and ObeyA Pivotal MomentOh to Be the Mama of JesusA Fresh StartVictory or DefeatThe Edge of the CliffAuthorityHis Personal TouchForged by FaithSabbath - Setting You FreeHave You Prayed About It?Don't Build Your House on Sandy LandThe Centurion's FaithDon't Be OffendedWe All Need ItLighthouseIt's a Family ThingWhere the Ministry isHolding on by a Thread - and That's EnoughTraveling Essentials
March
Better is One DayDivine Interruption3 QuestionsThe Childlike ApproachThe Ignored ParableLost in the WoodsGathering or Scattering?Hindering InfluenceWhen Faith Gets a Performance Review"More"Knock KnockA Clear Call to ReadinessSowing SeedsThe Narrow DoorAgainst the GrainDo You Want ItI Once Was LostThe Unjust ManagerActs of Service, Echoes of EternityJust "Thank You"Soon and Very Soon
2024
January
New Year, Fresh StartA Good Plan for the New YearCall on MeHope Has a NameHolidays in Rear ViewHolinessHow to Have our Mind TransformedNew Year, New YouA Pattern of RenewalVictory in JesusFear Knot? Fear Not.Seek the LORDBetterWhere to Place your TrustRadical GraceGenerosity God's WayThe Poor and NeedyThe Open Hand ConceptA Need that Burdens your HeartHow's Your Heart?Who Are You?Testing in the Wilderness
February
Categories
Tags
no tags
No Comments