Exchange (Holy Week)

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Read:

Mark 15:6-11


Reflect:

The story of Barabbas and Jesus is a really clear and visual reminder of what exactly Jesus did for every one of us.

Barabbas was guilty of his crimes: insurrection and murder. His execution was justified according to Roman law. But Jesus is taken to the cross in his place. Even though Jesus was innocent, He took on the suffering and shame of the cross in Barabbas’s place. And in ours. Isaiah prophesied that this would happen:

‘But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed. We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all.’ (Isaiah 53:5-6 - NIV).


Respond:

Lord Jesus, thank you for your great sacrifice. Thank you that you took on the punishment for my sins. Thank you for paying the price that I may be blameless and pure before the Father. Please help me remember your sacrifice in all I do to the glory of your name. Amen.


Remind:

“Christ's death is the Christian's life. Christ's cross is the Christian's title to heaven. Christ "lifted up" and put to shame on Calvary is the ladder by which Christians "enter into the holiest," and are at length landed in glory.”

~J.C. Ryle~


Photo by Susan Yin on Unsplash

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