He took my place in death!
By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo
Luke 23:24-25, 32 "So Pilate decided to grant their demand. He released the man who had been thrown into prison for insurrection and murder, the one they asked for, and surrendered Jesus to their will… Two other men, both criminals, were also led out with him to be executed." - NIV
That was the vehement demand of the priests, elders, teachers of the law and the section of the crowd they had incited against Jesus. It was a custom to release someone in that period. Until then, they found no charge against Jesus. He was innocent, but they were determined to get rid of Him. But Barabas, whom they asked to be released, was a known notorious criminal, a rioter and murderer.
So they wanted a murderer released back to society and a blameless Savior, healer, teacher, Prophet, the Son of God executed by crucifixion, a punishment Barabas rightly deserved! Jesus took his place and Barabas indeed went free!
That’s what Jesus came to do for us all. All mankind had sinned and fallen short of God’s holy standard (Rom 3:23). As by law, the soul that sins must die (Ezekiel 18:20) because the wages of sin is death (Rom 6:23). Since man had sinned, he deserved to die, and eternally.
But Jesus came and died the death everyone of us deserved, like a criminal. He took our place in death so that we, guilty as we were like Barabas, would go free and obtain eternal life. What an exchange! What a love!
In Christ therefore, we are free, no longer guilty, accepted, reconciled and at peace with God. This offer is available to all people who place their faith in Christ. How can you turn down such a love?!
Romans 5:8 "But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us."
Shalom children of God. Happy Easter