Let’s just imagine that you did something wrong and the consequence for that action was to be beaten to within an inch of your life. Suddenly, a stranger (or a family member if it’s a stretch for you to believe a stranger would do this) stands up and randomly volunteers to take your punishment instead so that you would not have to suffer. How would you treat this person after it was all over? How careful would you be not to commit the same act again, knowing that it cost someone else needless pain? How much respect would you have for that person and how much would you pay him before you considered the debt repaid?
Well, while you’re pondering on these thoughts, here are the cold, hard facts. Barabbas, who deserved to die for his crimes, was released and Jesus took his place. What did he do with the second chance afforded him? The Bible is not clear on this, but we must remember that Barabbas represents us; what are we doing with the second chance at life that Jesus has afforded us by his atoning, redeeming death? We think of Barabbas as a vile man who was too easily pardoned because of Pilate’s cowardice and corruption, but who are we? Jesus died for the sins of the whole world! (1 John 2:2) We are not the heroes or the judges in this great conflict between Christ and satan! That title belongs to Christ alone.
If you could respect a person for life because they took some punishment for you that did not result in death, why then do we not respect Jesus Christ our Lord who gave His sinless life and every last drop of blood in the quest for our redemption and salvation? Why do we trample underfoot and regard lightly the fact He carried a heavy cross up that hill after being scourged to within an inch of His life, had nails rammed through His hands and feet, a spear in His side and only vinegar to drink as He suffered and died in our stead? Why do we regard lightly the fact that He faced eternal separation from His Father so we could be adopted into the family of God?
The very thought of our Lord on the cross should be enough to keep us away from evil habits and practices. Heb 6:6 says that we crucify Jesus afresh and put Him to an open shame when we continue in our sins after having personally experienced knowing God and His grace. Every time we commit the same sin again, we basically say to Jesus,” I am sorry, but Your suffering and death was not enough, and still is not enough to save me. My instant gratification is more important at this point, than Your suffering.” Think about this the next time you are tempted to do something that is contrary to God’s Law. It is a strong motivator to live a life pleasing to God, because it’s the least we can do considering that He has done so much for us.
Scripture readings: Heb 6:6, John 15:13, 1 John 3:16
