I love that no matter how many times we read the Bible that there is always something new and wonderful from the precious scriptures.
I was reading about the release of Barabbas and how the people of the day demanded that Jesus be crucified. As in the past, when I was reading this passage, I was amused at the fact that the people of the day honestly demanded that a murderer, thief and known criminal be set free so that our precious Lord and Savior Jesus would be crucified.
But….I was reading a passage that I had read many, many MANY times in my life time and then it happened, something new HIT me.
What happened to Barabbas after he was set free?
Because he was never mentioned again, my mind began to wonder:
- Did he run home, grateful that he had been set free, even though he was guilty of all charges?
- Did the old habits return and he continued on his criminal journey?
- Did he return home as if nothing had happened, keeping his story to himself?
- Did he go from city to city, telling his story, proclaiming the love and sacrifice of the Lord Jesus?
- Had his actions and life changed to that of praise and gratitude for the tremendous debt that he was forgiven of?
What DID he do? What WAS his story?
Then another thought…. I AM Barabbas
Then….. my heart began to melt, thinking wow… I have that SAME story to tell.
- My crimes are great and I’ve been forgiven of them
- The innocent was sacrificed so I could be set free
- I was guilty of all and condemned to complete separation but was shown great mercy as my freedom allowed me to be accepted once again
- I deserve hell but will celebrate on the streets of gold one day
I’m only a sinner saved by grace so let’s bring the question close to home…. What is my story and how willing am I to tell it?
How about you? What is YOUR story of redemption?
Are you sharing it or are you keeping it to yourself?
Do you go from place to place telling your story and proclaiming the Love and sacrifice of the Lord? Have your actions and life changed so much so that praise and gratitude ooze from you because of the tremendous debt that you’ve been forgiven of?
Or
Did you return to your old habits, old friends and old ways?
The Bible says that all things become new for the Christian.
Have you ever considered….that YOU (Christian) are Barabbas?
As you ponder the guilty man that was set free because of the innocent man that willingly laid down His precious life for his – remember – you ARE that guilty person.
What will you do with your story?
Do you have a similar story on your blog or site? If so, please do share below in the comment section, so that I can visit it as well as my readers. Is your site about “your redemption story?” – please, PLEASE leave it here – linking up will easily allow others to be encouraged by you sharing your story!
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Wow!!! Easily the best thing I’ve read in a long time!! Ill be making a sermon out of this very soon!!
Marie! Oh for a thousand tongues to sing my great Redeemers praise! Your question begs an answer- my “hopeful- Pollyannish” heart hopes Barabas recognized the unbelievable exchange that was made for him- through no doing of his own. I pray I can always recognize and SHARE JOYFULLY- the Good News! He paid a debt He did not owe- I owed a debt I could not pay- I needed someone to wash my sins away- And now I sing a brand new song- Amazing Grace- Christ Jesus paid the debt that I could never pay! 🙂
Amazing! This brought to my mind a verse from the song “How Deep the Father’s Love for Us” by Stuart Townend.
“Behold the Man upon a cross
My guilt upon His shoulders
Ashamed, I hear my mocking voice
Call out among the scoffers”
Thanks for your words!
I felt as though I held my breath when you wrote the words… I am Barabbas.
It’s truth… I am
And yet JESUS shed HIS blood for me… A Barabbas.
Thought provoking post. Weighty. True.
@Todd – thanks son….. please do. so many of us Christians don’t tell others, much less praise the Lord with Gratitude. maybe if they realize they are just as guilty as barabbas, then they will.
@Cindy – sooo true… never in a million years could we ever pay our sin debt. keep telling your story!
@Bill – i love that song! just to take a few moments while singing it to ponder just how deep the Father’s love for us truly is!! amazing.
@Marlo – even though my actions have not “matched” Barabbas’s actions… my sin debt is still just as great as his was. I hope others think on it and will not keep their story of God’s love locked away in their hearts.
Thanks yall for taking the time to read and encourage
you bless me
{{HUGS}}
Neat article, Marie. Today must be my day to think about Barabbas! I just watched a sermon which also prompted interesting thoughts about him.
You might enjoy this sermon too, from pastor Mike Lee at Hope Community Church in Raleigh, NC. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IgSiFagEFnU
I love articles like yours and sermons like this, which lead me to deeper thinking! Thanks.
There is a novel I read in college that imagines what Barabbas’ life was like after he was released. It is titled Barabbas. It is a good read.