What can we learn about God's justice from the release of Barabbas? The Moment in the Courtyard – Luke 23:25 “So Pilate released the man who had been thrown into prison for insurrection and murder, the one they asked for, and surrendered Jesus to their will.” What Justice Demands • God’s standard never bends: “The wages of sin is death.” (Romans 6:23a) • Barabbas had earned a just penalty—death for murder and rebellion (Mark 15:7). • Scripture affirms that every sin, great or small, places us under the same sentence (James 2:10). A Stunning Exchange • The guilty walks free; the innocent is condemned. • Isaiah 53:5–6 foretells it: “He was pierced for our transgressions… the LORD has laid on Him the iniquity of us all.” • 2 Corinthians 5:21 echoes the pattern: “God made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf.” Justice Fully Satisfied in Christ • God does not overlook sin; He transfers its penalty. • Romans 3:25–26: God presented Jesus “as an atoning sacrifice… so as to be just and to justify the one who has faith in Jesus.” • The cross proves that mercy never nullifies righteousness; it fulfills it. We Are Barabbas • Like him, we stood condemned (Ephesians 2:1–3). • Like him, we contribute nothing to our release; another takes our place. • Accepting Christ’s substitution means walking out of prison with the chains left behind (John 8:36). Living in Light of the Exchange • Gratitude replaces guilt: “There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” (Romans 8:1) • Holiness becomes a grateful response, not an attempt to earn favor (Titus 2:11–12). • Proclaim the same offer of release to others (Acts 13:38–39). Conclusion: Justice and Mercy Meet • Barabbas’s freedom showcases a God who remains perfectly just while extending perfect grace. • Every believer’s story echoes his: the righteous Judge delivers a guilty rebel because the spotless Lamb took the sentence. |
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