Now it was the governor’s custom each year during the Passover celebration to release one prisoner — anyone the people requested. One of the prisoners at that time was Barabbas, a revolutionary who had committed murder in an uprising. The crowd went to Pilate and asked him to release a prisoner as usual.
Key Thought
Jesus’ ministry was all about release — release from the power of death, release from the power of disease, release from the power of the devil, release from… Here we have what may be a providential irony: people asked for the release of a murderous revolutionary while Jesus went to the cross to release them — and us — from the clutches of Satan, death, and hell.
Today’s Prayer
For my freedom, dear Father in heaven, I thank you. I know my freedom from the power of sin and death came at such a great price. I know that in many ways, I am Barabbas — deserving punishment but granted freedom because of your Son. Thank you. In Jesus’ name, I praise you. Amen.
Related Scripture Readings
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