Daily Devotional – Monday, June 2, 2023
For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.
Romans 5:6 (NKJV)
Who is the most-feared criminal in your community? This is the last person you want to meet in the dark. If you were a judge, you would ensure that the miscreant rots in jail. You would receive overwhelming support from the community.
A Rebel Who Deserved Death
That criminal was Barabbas in the days of Jesus. He was arguably the most dreaded rebel. Mark describes Barabbas thus, “chained with his fellow rebels; they had committed murder in the rebellion.” (Mark 15:7).
By any human law, Barabbas deserved the death sentence. Under Roman rule, Barabbas warranted crucifixion so that he could feel the pain he had caused other people. On this day, Pilate, the Roman ruler, was to pardon and release one criminal. This great criminal could not be one of them.
Jesus Took Barabbas’ Chastisement
Ironically, when Pilate asked the crowd whether he should release Jesus, “the chief priests stirred up the crowd, so that he should rather release Barabbas to them.” (Mark 15:11). How sad that the people were demanding for an innocent person to die and a vile criminal to go scot-free instead.
“So Pilate, wanting to gratify the crowd, released Barabbas to them; and he delivered Jesus, after he had scourged Him, to be crucified.” (Mark 15:15). Jesus took the punishment that Barabbas merited. The sinner received freedom. The Saviour was crucified.
Barabbas represent every human being. We are not different from this sinner. Each of us is a rebel that deserves no mercy. We are vile sinners who continually defy God in thought, word and deed.
He Took Your Punishment
As Isaiah states, “All we like sheep have gone astray. We have turned, every one, to his own way. And the LORD has laid on Him the iniquity of us all.” (Isaiah 53:6). Yes. Jesus took your penalty. “For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.” (Romans 5:6).
Christ took your death that you might take His life. That is the depth of His love for you. Today, reflect on what happened on Calvary. Because Jesus loves you so much to take your pain, determine to carry His cross with pride. Let gratitude for Jesus empower You to live for Him.
Prayer
Dear Jesus, thank You for taking my punishment that I might share in Your eternal life.
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Amen! I’m grateful for Jesus.
On the cross of Calvary He paid a debt that He did not owe because I owed a debt i could not pay.
He reconciled us to God while we were yet sinner..What an amazing grace and love.
Halleluyah, Doc. Blessings upon you.