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Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Today's Frontline Devotion April 4, 2007 Prisoner |
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Frontline Devotion for Wednesday, April 4, 2007 by Penny Risen
In that noisy crowd outside Pilate’s balcony, were there members of Barabbas’ family hoping for his release? Even scoundrels have brothers and sisters, or a wife and child. Don’t you think they’d recognized his errors and wrongdoing, but still cared for him and hoped for his redemption?
Barabbas was a convicted murderer who had fought with insurrectionists in rebellion against Roman rule. A tough, notorious character, this prisoner’s name was shouted by the crowd to be given freedom --- not the captive, innocent Jesus. Jesus’ mother and followers also apparently stood among the rabble confronting Roman governor Pilate. They knew He was blameless and they likely shuddered in fear at Jesus fate, while Barabbas’ kin rejoiced as he went free.
Biblical scholars have debated for years about the tragic and emotionally charged scene told in Mark 15: Was Barabbas a real prisoner, or was he an allegory for mankind --- a sinful mankind that needed to be saved? Wherever we stand on that theological argument, there is no denying that we are like Barabbas and likewise sinners in God’s eyes.
More than we’d choose to acknowledge, we are prisoners of sin and we still need Jesus. We may not have risen up against oppressors and committed murder like Barabbas. But as we confess to God the Father as part of the Christian liturgy: “We are in bondage to sin and cannot free ourselves. We have sinned against You in thought, word and deed, by what we have done and by what we have left undone. We have not loved You with our whole heart; we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. For the sake of Your Son Jesus Christ, have mercy upon us.”
Jesus came to save, one at a time. His sacrifice on the cross came only hours after the prisoner Barabbas regained his freedom. And on Calvary, Jesus forgave a man hanging next to Him suffering for his crime. Jesus had committed no crime, but granted this poor man release from his guilt as a thief, forgave his sin, and gave him hope of seeing Christ in Heaven that day.
As we accept Him as our Saviour, Jesus is ready to forgive us. Remarkable! During this Holy Week, think about how Christ entered your life, loved you and called you His child, stood by your side each day, and granted you salvation time and again. Your freedom from death is His victory.
Prayer for the day: Dear Lord, I praise Your name for freeing me from the prison of my misdeeds and thoughts. Forgive me, renew me, and lead me so that I may delight in Your will and walk in Your ways, to the glory of Your Holy name. Amen.
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All are welcome to join and share in our Devotional Ministry on the "Frontlines" of the world. Frontline Devotions are sent via email daily. Sign up by clicking on the box to the left. Pastor Dave welcomes feedback. Contact him at pastordave@goodshepherdonline.org. |
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