Pure Grace Exemplified (1)

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The story of Barabbas - the notorious prisoner who gained freedom on a platter of gold -  presents the epitome of the workings of pure grace (Matt 27:15-26). It was fitting that Grace Himself - Jesus Christ - was on the scene to administer it. Barabbas was made free, not because he had the best lawyers at his disposal, or that he pleaded for pardon. Not at all. He was totally oblivious to and uninvolved in the 'work' that led to his freedom even though he was condemned to die. How ironic it was that the people became his staunchest supporter and were instrumental to his release. More paramount is the fact that his place of punishment was taken by One who was the least worthy of any form of punishment whatsoever. However, it all came perfectly together for Barabbas and before he knew it, he was a free man.
So, how did it all happen? Let's find out.

It was the feast of Passover, and it was customary for Pilate to release a prisoner whom the people wished. So, Pilate who was reluctant to punish Jesus having found him guiltless, offered Barabbas - probably the worst of the worst, who you could call the "vilest offender", and told the people to choose between Jesus and him. Barabbas was a rebel, a murderer and a robber. Under normal circumstances, there was no way he would have been released that day. The workings of grace is hardly normal. In Pilate's thoughts, a choice between Jesus and Barabbas is a no-brainer; "they would choose Jesus" he thought, but little did he know that he would be wrong.  
The chief priests and elders engineered what you could call the greatest brain-washing act of all time and succeeded in convincing the people to choose Barabbas (Matt 27:20) despite knowing the threat he posed. There's no way the people would have asked for Barabbas under normal circumstances, and on another day, there was no way Barabbas would get out of prison alive, a free man. All this was grace working on Barabbas' behalf. How the chief priests succeeded in convincing them beats my imagination. But that is grace for you; when grace is at work, a lot of things are incomprehensible. The fact that the multitude had to be convinced tells us they didn't pick him willfully. 
When the people asked for Barabbas' release, Pilate couldn't believe it, so he asked again. This time, not only did they scream for Barabbas' release, they vehemently asked for Jesus' crucifixion, and the rest they say is history.

Friends, from this account, it is clear that Barabbas found grace because of Jesus. He was supposed to die, but was saved in spite of himself. He didn't contribute to his salvation. There were probably 'lesser evils' in prison with Barabbas, but he who was like "the worst of the worst" was the one saved. This shows that nobody is beyond redemption. It doesn't matter how far you've gone, God can bring you back. Barabbas didn't do anything to be saved; he didn't ask for it; he was just saved. The vilest offender received life instead of death. This presented a foreglimpse of what was going to happen on the cross - an exchange. Jesus' life was taken and was given to us all. We received life when we were supposed to die. We didn't do anyhing to be saved, we didn't ask for it and of course we didn't deserve it. Jesus took our place of punishment and death and gave us abundant life. Our sins were placed on Him while we were clothed with His righteousness. We who were slaves to sin and death were made free, free to live righteously. We who were condemned because of our sins became the redeemed of the Lord. He temporarily lost His Sonship while we became sons of God. All this happened in spite of us. We had no involvement whatsoever. This is the pure grace of God which has appeared to all men (Titus 2:11) and has saved us all.

Finally friends, as we celebrate Easter, let us remember what Jesus did for us. How He lavished us with His manifold grace and love. How He left His throne and came down to dwell among us. How He was brutally crucified for us, went to hell, defeated the devil and resurrected on the third day. And now, He lives forever more! Glory to God! He is seated at the right hand of God continuously interceding for us. Glory to God in the Highest! Amen! Happy Easter Friends! 

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