The Criminal Who Should Have Died
Barabbas was a rebel and murderer scheduled to die on the middle cross that day. But the crowd demanded his release, and Jesus took his place. Have you ever wondered if Barabbas stood in that crowd? Did he hear Jesus’ words of forgiveness? Did he understand that someone innocent was dying in his place?
Here’s the uncomfortable truth we often avoid: At some point in our lives, we’re all Barabbas.
We Are the Guilty Ones
We are the ones who have sinned. We are the ones who deserve judgment. Romans 3:23 reminds us that “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” There’s no exception clause, no loophole for good people. We all stand guilty before a holy God.
The cross wasn’t just about rescuing Barabbas from physical death. It was about rescuing you and me from spiritual death. Jesus didn’t step into Barabbas’ place—He stepped into your place and my place.
The Beautiful Exchange
This is the heart of redemption: Jesus took the punishment we deserved so we could receive the forgiveness we don’t deserve. He became our substitute, bearing our sins, carrying our shame, and dying our death.
At Lakeview Christian Church of Portage Lakes, we understand that this substitutionary love is what sets Christianity apart. Jesus didn’t just show us how to live—He died so we could truly live.
The Road to Freedom
The cross was the only way to rescue humanity from sin’s bondage. Jesus stayed on that cross because He loves you that much. He endured the physical torture, the emotional abandonment, and the spiritual anguish of bearing the world’s sin—all to set you free.
This is the road Jesus walked for us. This is redemption in its purest form.
Living as the Redeemed
Understanding that we’re Barabbas changes everything. It humbles us, knowing we deserved death but received life. It motivates us to live differently, not out of obligation but out of gratitude.
At Lakeview Christian Church, we live out this redemption through “Just 3”:
- Study God’s Word to understand the depth of His love
- Share this good news with others who need to know they’re loved
- Serve others as Jesus served us
Your Response Matters
Jesus stepped into your place. He took your punishment. He offers you forgiveness. The question is: How will you respond?
Will you live like Barabbas might have—forever grateful, forever changed, forever telling others about the One who died in your place? Or will you take this gift for granted?
