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[expand title=”Devotion Text”]Matthew 27:15-18
Now it was the governor’s custom at the festival to release a prisoner chosen by the crowd. At that time they had a well-known prisoner whose name was Jesus Barabbas. So when the crowd had gathered, Pilate asked them, “Which one do you want me to release to you: Jesus Barabbas, or Jesus who is called the Messiah?” For he knew it was out of self- interest that they had handed Jesus over to him.
Pilate didn’t want to bring a judgment against Jesus so he sent him to Herod, the ruler of Galilee. Herod sent Jesus back to Pilate. Pilate’s wife warned him not to bring a charge against Jesus. He also knew that the Jews brought Jesus to trial out of self-interest. So Pilate came up with a plan.
It was Pilate’s tradition to release a prisoner at Passover. He chose a well-known criminal named Barabbas and let the crowd decide — Jesus or Barabbas. The religious leaders stirred the crowd against the Lord. To Pilates’ surprise, the people chose Barabbas and condemned Jesus to the cross.
What an amazing scenario! The people chose to have a dangerous man back on the streets rather than have Jesus live. The innocent would die. The guilty went free. The same applies today. The spotless Lamb of God bore our sin in His body on the cross. He died in our place so we could be free forever.
Father, thank You for Your plan that reached down to save the guilty. Help me live in the freedom that You provide. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
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