THE EXCHANGE OF GRACE
“But the whole crowd shouted, “Away with this man! Release Barabbas to us!” (Barabbas had been thrown into prison for an insurrection in the city, and for murder.) Wanting to release Jesus, Pilate appealed to them again. But they kept shouting, “Crucify him! Crucify him!”” Luke 23:18-21 NIV
Anyone with a conscience would wonder: what could possibly compel such a massive crowd to demand the release of a murderer over a man in whom no fault was found?
Barabbas’s name actually means “son of the father” in Hebrew. And if you recall the words of Jesus in John 8:44, the father in question is the devil—the ruler of those who deny Christ by their lives and beliefs. With that in mind, the son of the father of falsehood was exchanged for the Son of the true Father, that none who believes in Him would perish.
Child of God, this is the fulfillment of Isaiah 53:5—“He was wounded for our transgressions and bruised for our iniquities.” We were once rebels, idolaters, and murderers in heart—just like Barabbas. And for our salvation, the perfect Son of God took our place.
Let it never be said of you that you chose the applause of men at the expense of the Lord’s. Praise God!
Prayer: My Lord, I thank You for taking my place. Though I was guilty, You stood condemned. Though I was lost, You made a way for me to be found. Help me never to forget the cost of grace, nor trade Your approval for the fleeting praise of men. May my life always reflect the weight of this exchange, in your precious name. Amen.
CI.
RELATED RESOURCES
• Romans 5:6
• John 18:38
• 1 Peter 2:24
