Vantage Point, Part 5, "Barabbas"

April 4, 2009 - Palm Sunday
David Uth

Matthew 27:15-23

Things we have in common with Barabbas:

1. He was guilty; deserving of death
He was called notorious, which means to bare a mark. It was clear what his fate should be. He was referred to in the gospels as a robber, a rebel, and a murder. We share sin with him. Romans 6:23 How much sin does it take? One thing. If we break one law we are guilty of them all. We like to see ourselves as good but we are sinners. Ephesians 2:5 - We are stuck, guilty.

2. Someone died in our place
Barabbas was the first man that could say Jesus died for him. Now we can all say that. Isaiah 53 - all like sheep have gone astray... 1 Peter 2:24 by his wounds you've been healed... Nails in hands, crown of thorns, and the lashes were all ours.

3. We have been set free - Not because of our doing
John 8:34 - free indeed! Ephesians 2:8-9 - through faith we have grace

Through the eyes of Barabbas, it is our cross. The cross was made for Barabbas but Jesus was the late substitute.