No excuses!

Luke 22:63-65

“But the whole crowd shouted, ‘Away with this man! Release Barabbas to us!’”

Barabbas. It’s an Aramaic name. It means “son of the father.” On “stage” with Barabbas was Jesus, the ultimate “Son of the Father.” The crowd was given the choice between the “son of the father” and the “Son of the Father,” and in a moment that seems to be incredibly inexplicable, they chose … the “son of the father.” They chose Barabbas, the insurrectionist and murderer. If there was anyone who didn’t deserve to be chosen, it was Barabbas!

Well, actually, there are lots and lots and lots of others who don’t deserve to be chosen, who don’t deserve to be set free. People like you and me don’t deserve it either! We’re just as sinful in God’s eyes as Barabbas was.

But even the people’s inexplicable choice played into God’s ultimate plan, the plan for the “Son of the Father” to not be set free, but to instead be condemned. Off to the cross Jesus, the “Son of the Father,” goes.

And with what results? Since the “Son of the Father” went to the cross, now you and I are set free! In fact, now you and I are now “sons of the Father,” too.

Thankful to be a son of the Father, just like you,

pastor