"Barabbas "

March 28, 2010

TEXT: Matthew 27:26 - Then Pilate released Barabbas to them. But he had Jesus flogged and handed Him over to be crucified.


The journey to Mount Calvary has Jesus interact with many interesting characters. Few are more interesting than Barabbas-Jesus Barabbas-as he was properly known. He was no doubt a shifty man. There may be "honor among thieves," but it is questionable whether there were any who would trust him. Luke reports he was in prison for an insurrection in the city and for murder. If there was going to be a crucifixion, it seems he'd be a good candidate. He probably knew that too.

Imagine Barabbas' surprise when he is released. Imagine his shock when sentence is given that Jesus of Nazareth will be crucified, and Jesus Barabbas will be set free. We do not know what happened to Barabbas after this.

What we do know is that while our own sinful past may not be as horrible as was that of Jesus Barabbas, compared to Jesus of Nazareth it is still shameful and worthy of complete punishment. Amazingly, however, we stand with Barabbas. Jesus is marched off to be crucified. Though innocent, He experienced what we deserve.

But, we go free.

May it be true of us and not just a rumor that we are followers of Jesus. May it be obvious to all.

THE PRAYER: Bless us, Lord, as we make vivid our response to our being freed from what we deserve. Amen.

Since I will be leaving for work around 3am for a month or so I may not be able to finish posting the devotions for Lent...here is the link if you read them...Prayers and happy Easter for all ~ http://www.lentendevotions.org/

"The Descent Into ****"

April 03, 2010

TEXT: I Peter 3:18-19 - For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive by the Spirit, through whom also He went and preached to the spirits in prison.


The journey from the Mount of Transfiguration to Mount Calvary is complete. Jesus, the Lamb of God, has been sacrificed for the sins of the whole world. He has died on the cross. His human body is safely sealed in Joseph's tomb. His disciples and friends are resting, observing the Sabbath. The women are preparing to finish caring for the body in the tomb.

None of the Gospels record what Peter shares in his first letter. When Jesus rose victorious from the dead He left the sealed tomb and descended into **** to proclaim His victory over Satan, sin, death, and ****. The Church has been confessing the descent into **** for hundreds of years in the Apostolic Creed. It is the great assurance all Christians have that the victory over sin, death, and **** has been won. Later on Easter Day Jesus will appear to the living to make them aware of what those in eternity knew-**** holds no terror for those who are in Christ!

The conversation between Jesus, Moses, and Elijah on the Mount of Transfiguration may have included the topics of past deliverances from fear. Moses and the Children of Israel were delivered from the Egyptians; Elijah and the Children of Israel were delivered from Ahab and the prophets of Baal. None would compare to the deliverance Jesus would win on Mount Calvary. Our journey ends in heaven!

THE PRAYER: We thank You, Heavenly Father, for our deliverance from **** and our sure promise of heaven. Amen.

"The Resurrection"

April 04, 2010

TEXT: Matthew 28:5-6 - The angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; He has risen just as He said."


The journey from the Mount of Transfiguration to Mount Calvary is complete, but it does not end in the garden tomb. It continues with the risen Christ! The work of salvation is completed by His suffering, death, and by His resurrection! Jesus goes on from the tomb. No tomb can contain Him. Neither can the heavens or the earth! He is the victorious Lord of lords and King of kings!

Not everyone sees Jesus' journey go on from the tomb. The soldiers who were guarding the tomb, though frightened, "they shook and became like dead men" (Matthew 28:4b) were willing to lie about Jesus' resurrection. The leaders of the religious community told them what to say. Some still tell lies and believe those lies about the resurrection.

The apostle Paul affirms the importance of the truth of the resurrection. "If there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless, and so is your faith" (1 Corinthians 15:13-14). But our faith is not in vain! He has risen! Because He has risen, we too shall rise! Halleluiah!

THE PRAYER: O Jesus, bless our celebrating Your resurrection and ours! Amen.


HE IS RISEN INDEED! HAPPY EASTER EVERYONE.