The Great Exchange

“Because of His grace…we are Barabbas.”

Now the chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowd to ask for Barabbas and destroy Jesus. The governor again said to them, “Which of the two do you want me to release for you?” And they said, Barabbas.” Pilate said to them, “Then what shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ?” They all said, “Let him be crucified!” (Matthew 27:20-22 ESV).

The crowd. The same crowd Jesus poured life into is the same crowd shouting to destroy Him. I can’t help but wonder about the individuals within this crowd. These individuals must be evil, right? Not necessarily. This crowd likely consisted of individuals who spent time with Jesus – listening to His teachings, conversing with Him, and perhaps even healed by Him.

How often do we forget all God has done for us?

Pilate. Pilate, a Roman government official, who wanted nothing to do with Jesus, knew Jesus was innocent. As a matter of fact, just before Pilate handed Jesus over to the crowd, he physically washed his hands clean (verse 24). Pilate was in a position to set Jesus free, but he crumbled with moral weakness.

How often do we cave into wrong even when we are in a position to do right? 

Religious leaders. The very people who spent their lives learning about God were the driving force behind the crowd’s demand to crucify Jesus (verse 20). The religious leaders were all too concerned about their outward appearance, authority, and reputation than following Jesus.

How often do we find ourselves more concerned with our self-image than following Jesus?

The crowd, Pilate, and religious leaders… I found a piece of ourselves in each of these stories. 

However, it’s Barabbas’ story that defines all those found in Jesus today. A sinful and guilty man worthy of death is set free through the innocent One made guilty. We are sinful, guilty, and worthy of death. But Jesus took our place in exchange for us to be made innocent – the Great Exchange – for us to be in relationship with God.

Because of His grace…we are Barabbas.

Action Steps: 

• Spend today, Good Friday, in a time of reflection. What has Jesus done for you and your family? 

• Spend time in prayer, thanking Him for the extreme sacrifice He made for you.

• Listen to “Sunday Is Coming” by Phil Wickham

Written by Amy, mom of 2