Compare Barabbas' rebellion to our rebellion against God; how can we seek forgiveness? Setting the Scene: Luke 23:19 “(Barabbas had been imprisoned for an insurrection in the city, and for murder.)” — Luke 23:19 Spotlighting Barabbas’ Rebellion • Insurrection: He fought violently against established authority. • Murder: He destroyed life, the exact opposite of God’s intent (Exodus 20:13). • Public guilt: His crimes were known; he deserved the chains he wore. Mirroring Our Own Rebellion • Universal sin: “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). • Heart‐level insurrection: – Choosing self-rule over God’s rule (Genesis 3:6). – Breaking His commands in thought, word, and deed (James 2:10). • Spiritual death: “The wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23). Just as Barabbas lifted his fist against Rome, every sin lifts a fist against Heaven. Jesus Takes the Place of the Rebel • Barabbas walked free because Jesus took his cross (Luke 23:25). • Substitution for all rebels: – “God made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us” (2 Corinthians 5:21). – “He was pierced for our transgressions” (Isaiah 53:5). The innocent was condemned so the guilty could be released—Barabbas then, us now. Seeking Forgiveness: The Biblical Path 1. Repentance • “Repent, then, and turn back, so that your sins may be wiped away” (Acts 3:19). • A change of mind that turns from rebellion to submission. 2. Faith in Christ • “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that everyone who believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16). • Trust His finished work, not personal merit (Ephesians 2:8-9). 3. Confession • “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). 4. Receiving pardon • “There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1). Living in the Freedom Christ Won • Gratitude replaces guilt—live as one rescued (Colossians 1:13-14). • Obedience replaces rebellion—“If you love Me, you will keep My commandments” (John 14:15). • Witness replaces silence—tell others the story of the Rebel set free (2 Corinthians 5:18-20). |
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