Someone must die…
The punishment for sin was death. Everyone was guilty. Someone had to sacrifice. We celebrate it every year, but what made it truly special?
Jesus.
Jesus died to deal with who you were; He was raised to make you something completely different.
His death provided mercy and forgiveness.
His resurrection provided grace and becoming a new creation. The sacrifice in a moment. The gift of a lifetime. Barabbas. The man who escaped death. The man who was guilty and deserved to die. Set free. Because of Jesus.
Barabbas was guilty. He was scheduled to be put to death. Then the unthinkable happened. Jesus took Barabbas’ place, giving him life and freedom. Someone who didn’t deserve it. Saved. Us.
We were just like Barabbas. Guilty and deserving of death, according to our sins. Jesus, the true Son of the Father, took our place, so that we can also become sons of the Father. He sacrificed everything for us, to give us everything. Jesus wrote out
His “will” and our names were on it! We inherited healing, deliverance, freedom from the curse, blessings and forgiveness.
Because His sacrifice is perfect and He is perfect, we who are in Christ, have perfect standing forever before God! When God looks at you, he doesn’t see your sins. He doesn’t see your past. He sees you through the perfect blood that His Son shed. You are worthy. Worthy to be loved and accepted by our Heavenly Father. Never having to worry about falling short or not measuring up. You have perfect standing before Him forever. Easter. A beautifully written story about the gift of a lifetime, freely given to both me and you.
-Pastor