Today’s selected reading continues in the New Testament gospel narrative of the life and ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ as it was written and recorded by the beloved physician Luke. More specifically today’s passage begins with the forty-fourth verse of the twenty-third chapter and continues through to the twelfth verse of the twenty-fourth chapter. “And it was about the sixth hour, and there was a darkness over over all the earth until the ninth hour. And the sun was darkened, and the veil of the temple was rent in the midst. And when Jesus had cried with a loud voice, he said, Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit: and having said thus, he gave up the ghost” (Luke 23:44-46). “Now when the centurion saw what was done, he glorified God, saying, Certainly this was a righteous man. And And all the people that came together to that sight, beholding the things which were done, smote their breasts, and returned. And all his acquaintance, and the women that followed him from Galilee, stood afar off, beholding these things” (Luke 23:47-49). “And behold, there was a man named Joseph, a counseller; and he was a good man, and a just: (The same had not consented to the counsel and deed of them;) he was of Arimathaea, a city of the Jews: who also himself waited for the kingdom of God. This man went unto Pilate, and begged the body of Jesus. And he took it down, and wrapped it in linen, and laid it in a sepulchre that was hewn in stone, wherein never man before was laid. And that day was the preparation, and the sabbath drew on” (Luke 23:50-54). “And the women also, which came with him from Galilee, followed after, and beheld the sepulchre, and how his body was laid. And they returned, and prepared ointments; and rested the sabbath day according to the commandment” (Luke 23:55-56). “Now upon the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they came unto the sepulchre, bringing the spices which they had prepared, and certain others with them. And they found the stone rolled away from the sepulchre. And they entered in, and found not the body of the Lord Jesus. And it came to pass, as they were much perplexed there about, behold, two men stood by them in shining garments: and as they were afraid, and bowed down their faces to the earth, they said unto them, Why seek ye the living among the dead? He is not here, but is risen: remember how he spake unto you when he was yet in Galilee, saying, The Son of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again. And they remembered his words, and returned from the sepulchre, and told all these things unto the eleven, and to all the rest. It was Mary Magdalene, and Joanna, and Mary the mother of James, and the other women that were with them, which told these things unto the apostles. And their words seemed to them as idle tales, and they believed them not. Then arose Peter, and ran unto the sepulchre; and stooping down, he beheld the linen clothes laid by themselves, and departed, wondering in himself at that which was come to pass” (Luke 24:1-12). When you come to this portion of the New Testament gospel narrative written by the beloved physician Luke you will find the Lord Jesus hanging there upon the cross at Calvary. Having been sentenced to death by Pilate the Lord Jesus would carry His cross unto the place of the Skull where He would have His arms outstretched that the nails might pierce His wrists that He might be fastened and secured to the cross. Moreover Jesus would experience the nails piercing His ankles as His feet would themselves be secured to the cross in that place which was called Calvary. Oh we dare not and must not miss and lose sight of this and how absolutely incredible it truly is for each of the four New Testament gospels presented the picture of the death and crucifixion of the Lord Jesus. That which we find and read in the New Testament gospel narrative written by Luke is the third of four such accounts and narratives of the death and crucifixion of the Lord Jesus Christ as He would be led to the place called Golgotha where He would ultimately be killed and put to death at the hands of sinful men. Having been betrayed by one of His own disciples and having been falsely and wrongly accused by many as He stood before Annas, before Caiaphas, before Herod and ultimately Pilate Jesus would ultimately be sentenced to death and would be led to the place of the Skull where He would be put to death—something the religious leaders of Israel desperately and earnestly desired and wanted for three and a half years. If there is one thing I can’t help but be absolutely gripped and captivated by when reading this passage of Scripture it’s what you will find earlier on in this same chapter beginning to read with and from the twenty-sixth verse. What’s more is that even before that which we read beginning with the twenty-sixth verse we must turn and direct our attention to the words which we read in verses twenty-four and twenty-five of this same chapter. As you read the words which are found in this passage of Scripture we are indeed brought face to face with Pilate agreeing to release unto the Jewish mob one who for murder and sedition was imprisoned and waiting for sentence to be carried out against and upon him. Oh there is something absolutely remarkable about the words which are found in this particular chapter for on more than one occasion we find Pontius Pilate professing and proclaiming the innocence of the Lord Jesus. Within this chapter we find Pontius Pilate declaring how he had examined the Lord Jesus and had indeed found no fault in Him. Moreover Pilate would also declare that after examining the Lord Jesus He found nothing in Him worthy of death—this despite the fact the Jewish mob earnestly and eagerly desired for the Lord to be crucified. Pontius Pilate would not only find no fault in the person of the Lord Jesus and not only found nothing in Him worthy of death but he also sought to release Him rather that sentencing and committing Him to death. What the words in this passage of Scripture reveal, however, is that the will and voice of the Jewish mob would prevail even over the will and the intention of Pilate who was at that time governor over the city of Jerusalem. Despite his best efforts to deliver Jesus out of their hands and to release Him rather than giving sentence that He be killed and crucified Pilate earnestly and eagerly sought to release Jesus that He might not suffer nor be put to death. What I so absolutely love when reading the words found in this passage of Scripture is the fact that while Pilate professed and proclaimed the innocence of the Lord Jesus we are brought face to face with the guilty of Barabbas. On two different occasions we find in this chapter Barabbbas being described as one who was not only being held and imprisoned but also being imprisoned for murder and sedition. This is something we must needs recognize and understand for within this passage we find a tale of two different prisoners—one who was wrongly and falsely accused and yet who the Jewish mob desired to be crucified and one who was actually guilty and yet who the Jewish mob desired to have released unto and among them. Luke makes it very clear that Barabbas was indeed guilty of murder and for a certain sedition and yet how the Jewish mob cried out for his release unto them. While the Jewish mob desired Barabbas to be released unto them they would at the same time desire that Jesus be killed and crucified. Oh this is something we must needs recognize and pay close attention to when considering the narrative of the Lord Jesus for what we find in this passage is the innocent being sentenced and condemned to death while the guilty was permitted to go free. Pause for a moment and consider how absolutely incredible that truly is when you pay attention to it. Stop and consider the fact that the Lord Jesus was entirely and altogether innocent and guilty of no wrong, nor guilty of any sedition, nor guilty of any violence, nor even guilty of anything punishable by death and yet what we find is the Jewish mob earnestly and desperately desiring that Jesus be put to death. The Jewish mob knew that Barabbas was imprisoned for murder and for sedition and even that he was a robber and yet they desired that he would be released unto them rather than Jesus. I sit here today thinking about and considering the words which are found in this passage of Scripture and I can’t help but be brought face to face with the absolutely incredible truth that in order for the guilty to go free and be released He who was innocent had to be sentenced and condemned. What we must needs recognize and understand when reading the words presented in this passage of Scripture is that just because Barabbas was released by Pilate according to the will of the Jewish mob it was by no means a pronouncement of his innocence. Barabbas being released unto the Jewish mob once more by no means stood as an indication that he was acquitted of the evils and wrongs which he had done. Stop and consider the fact that although Barabbas was released unto the Jewish mob according to their will at the command of Pilate it was by no means a commuting of his guilt. If there is one thing we must needs recognize and understand when reading the words which are found in this passage of Scripture it’s that although Barabbas was indeed released unto the Jewish mob and released back into society it in no way indicated that he was now somehow innocent of that which he had committed. Barabbas being released unto the public once more is actually something quite remarkable and astounding for although he would be released he would be released knowing full well that he was in fact guilty of that for which he was accused and that for which he awaited sentencing. Undoubtedly. Barabbas would have stood trial before Pilate and those who would have desired his execution and destruction. Oh I would love to know how long Barabbas was being held by Pilate after being found guilty of murder and sedition during those days having led an insurrection and rebellion in the midst of those days. We read the words which are found in this passage of Scripture and we are brought face to face with the absolutely wonderful truth that one who was guilty was permitted to go free despite the wrongs and offenses he had committed. The words which we find in this passage of Scripture are absolutely and incredibly unique when you take the time to think about them for they bring us face to face with Barabbas being released according to the will of the people—this despite the fact that he was indeed guilty of those crimes for which he was accused. There is something truly challenging about the words which we find in this passage of Scripture for not only did Pilate pronounce the Lord Jesus to be innocent but we also find one of the thieves on the cross speaking of and professing the Lord Jesus to be innocent. When one of the thieves would rail at and against the Lord Jesus the other thief would rebuke and correct him from his own place on the cross declaring unto him that they deserved what they had coming to them for they were indeed guilty. This lowly thief on the cross would go on to profess and proclaim the innocence of the Lord Jesus and declare that He was guilty of absolutely no wrong. Not only this but the thief on the cross would indeed ask Jesus to remember him when He entered into His kingdom. It would be in response to this the Lord Jesus would in fact declare unto this thief that “today” on that particular day he would be with Him in paradise. Oh there is a part of me that can’t help but wonder what it was like when the legs of that particular thief were broken and he was gasping for air before finally breathing his last and perishing there upon the cross. I can’t help but think about and imagine what it was like as the thief breathed his last and closed his eyes for the last time here upon the earth and then opened them on the other side of time and space. What would it have been like for this thief on the cross to awake in a place called paradise and see the person of the Lord Jesus—the same one whom He had just seen hanging there next to him on the cross at Calvary. Imagine what would have gone through this thief’s heart and mind having awakened in paradise and undoubtedly seeing the person and presence of the Lord Jesus. I can’t help but be absolutely captivated with the words and language found in this passage of Scripture for within it we are brought face to face with the tremendous reality of the Lord Jesus being pronounced by Pilate as being entirely innocent and free from any guilt or wrongdoing. Pilate carefully examined the Lord Jesus and after asking Him questions he had determined within his own heart and mind that He was indeed guilty of no wrong. Moreover Scripture also reveals how Pilate knew that it was for envy the Jews together with their religious leaders and rulers delivered Jesus unto the hands of Pilate and desired that He be put to death and ultimately destroyed. As I read the words which are presented in this passage of Scripture I am brought face to face with the fact that there is this incredibly dichotomy and contrast which exists between the Lord Jesus and this man whose name we learn as being Barabbas. We know beyond a shadow of a doubt that Barabbas was indeed guilty of murder and sedition and yet this one who was indeed guilty would be set free and delivered unto the people once more. With this being said it’s imperative that we recognize how in order for Barabbas to be delivered and set free another one must have of necessity taken his place. The fact that Barabbas was released and delivered from his chains and shackles meant that another one who would have to have taken his place. That which we read and that which we find in this passage of Scripture demonstrates the power of substitution in that the Lord Jesus who was innocent of all guilt and wrongdoing would be a substitute for Barabbas. This man called Barabbas would be the very first one who would experience the manifestation of substitution through the suffering and death of the Lord Jesus. There are a great amount of words and language which have been spoken concerning this power of substitution and how the death of the Lord Jesus would indeed be the manifestation of substitution. What we must needs recognize and understand is that when we read the words found in this passage of Scripture we find a wonderful and powerful manifestation of substitution. Even before the Lord Jesus would be nailed to the cruel Roman tree and even before He would be crucified upon the cross there would indeed be the manifestation of substitution through the life of Barabbas. Barabbas would indeed be guilty of sedition and murder and yet despite his guilt he would be permitted to go free because one who was innocent would take his place. What’s more is that not only would one who was innocent take the place of Barabbas in chains and shackles but one would also take the place of Barabbas upon the cross which was between those two thieves who were crucified together with the Lord Jesus. Stop for a moment and consider the fact that in all reality there should have been three thieves and robbers who were crucified upon those trees which were present at the hill of Calvary. Of course Scripture brings us face to face with the incredible truth that there nailed to crosses would be two thieves and the Lamb of God which took away the sin of the world, however, according to Scripture Barabbas should have been hanging there upon the tree in the midst of the other thieves who were also nailed to the cross. Instead of there being three thieves upon the cross there would be only two thieves hanging there upon their crosses as the sinless, spotless and innocent Lamb of the living God would be nailed to the cross which would be placed there in the midst of them at Calvary. I have to admit the more I think about and consider the words which are found in this passage of Scripture the more I am brought face to face with the incredible and tremendous truth that although Barabbas was indeed guilty of murder and sedition he was permitted to be released and to go free. Although Barabbas was indeed guilty—and perhaps not only guilty according to Jewish law but also guilty according to Roman law—he would be permitted to be delivered and set free. What I so absolutely love about the narrative of Barabbas is that although he was released and delivered unto the Jewish mob he was not acquitted of the wrongs and offenses he had committed. Although Barabbas was indeed delivered unto the Jewish mob his guilt would still remain and nothing would change the fact that he had still engaged in sedition and murder. Barabbas was released unto the Jewish mob simply and solely because one who was innocent would indeed take his place in the chains, in the shackles and ultimately in the suffering and death upon the cross. This is something which requires a tremendous amount of understanding and discernment on our part for you and I can and should see ourselves in Barabbas. You and I were guilty of sin, of iniquity, of transgression and of wickedness for all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. The psalmist declared that there is none righteous—no not one—and it was the apostle Paul who declared that the wages of sin was death. You and I were not only guilty but were also deserving of death and yet instead of our being convicted and instead of our being sentenced to death there was one who was delivered unto the will of sinners and men who would inflict a great amount of pain and suffering upon Him. The narrative of Barnabas is one which we must needs recognize and pay close attention to for it calls and draws our attention to the absolutely wonderful and powerful truth that through his story we see our own. I absolutely love that Barnabas who was indeed guilty was delivered and released from his chains and shackles and permitted to go free for it stands as a powerful picture of what is and what has been permitted to take place within our lives. I find it absolutely necessary for the gospel authors to present the account of Barabbas for through his narrative and through his story we see a wonderful and powerful picture of ourselves in and through his life. There is not a doubt in my mind that the narrative and account of Barabbas was indeed necessary within the gospels for through his story we encounter and are brought face to face with the power of substitution. What’s more is that not only are we brought face to face with the power of substitution but we are also brought face to face with the incredible truth surrounding one who was innocent being sentenced and condemned to death that one who was guilty might escape death and might be delivered and set free from his chains and shackles. Of course we know that Barabbas would not escape death altogether for there would come a point in time when he would indeed taste and experience death and would go the way of all the earth. On this particular day, however, Barabbas would be delivered and set free from his chains and shackles and would not face suffering or death. Instead of experiencing suffering and death he would be permitted to go free and basically be readmitted into society. He who was indeed guilty of sedition and murder would be permitted to once more walk in the midst of the culture and society of that day knowing full well what he had done. I have to admit the more I think about the narrative of Barabbas the more I can’t help but wonder what life was like for him after he had been permitted to go free. Did Barabbas look into the eyes of Jesus as those chains and shackles were being removed from his wrists and ankles knowing that he was about to go free? Did Barabbas look into the eyes of the Lord Jesus as he was departing from that place and making his way unto the Jewish mob who had cried out for his release unto them? Oh tI have to admit there is a part of me that can’t help but wonder what Barabbas’ life was like after he was released from his chains and shackles knowing that he had somehow escaped death. Barabbas undoubtedly woke up that morning thinking that he would be sentenced to death and would ultimately be put to death in the place of the skull. I firmly believe Barabbas thought and believed that he was going to die on this particular day and yet through a series of events he could neither have anticipated nor expected he would not only be delivered from his chains and shackles but he would also escape death which was his rightful punishment and judgment. Barnabas undoubtedly woke up that morning thinking and believing that he would be put to death and that he would experience the last day of his life upon the earth before ultimately being put to death. What he would find and experience, however, would be something entirely and altogether different for he would indeed experience a second chance. Through Barabbas being delivered from his chains and shackles and through his being delivered from his place of judgment and condemnation he would indeed be given a new lease in life—something which he had not previously experienced. Oh the more I read the words which are found here in this passage of Scripture the more I am finding myself wondering what life would have been like for Barabbas after his release from those chains and shackles. We know that Pilate released Barabbas unto the crowd and multitude and yet there is a part of me that can’t help but wonder if Barabbas left that place and departed unto his home. I can’t help but wonder if Barabbas departed from that place and perhaps walked through the streets of Jerusalem savoring the freedom and enjoying the sunlight and the fresh air. What’s more is I can’t help but wonder if Barabbas might not have come to the place of the skull where Jesus was nailed to the tree and crucified in between those two thieves. Stop for a moment and imagine Barabbas coming unto the place of the skull and perhaps witnessing as the Lord Jesus hung there upon the cross knowing that it should have been him who was nailed to that cross. Scripture provides no indication that Barabbas visited the place of the skull where Jesus and these two thieves were crucified and yet I can’t hello but wonder if the life of Barabbas was dramatically changed and transformed on this particular day. TRANSFORMED THROUGH DELIVERANCE! TRANSFORMED THROUGH FREEDOM! TRANSFORMED THROUGH RELEASE! What a truly awesome, wonderful and beautiful thought it is to read the words presented in this passage of Scripture and consider how Barabbas was indeed guilty of sedition and murder and yet he was permitted to go free. There is a part of me that can’t help but wonder if Barabbas’ life would forever be changed and transformed through that deliverance and freedom. Undoubtedly Barabbas thought that his life was going to end and that he was going to spend his last hours and day upon the earth before departing from this world and going the way of the earth. Instead that which Barabbas would experience would be freedom and deliverance. If you continue reading the words which are found in this passage of Scripture you will find that beginning with the twenty-sixth verse of this chapter Jesus would be led away from the Praetorium where He would be beaten with a whip that was laced with chips of glass and bone as His flesh would have been ripped from His body. Beginning with the twenty-sixth verse of this chapter we find Jesus being led away and being forced to carry His own cross unto the place of the skull where He would ultimately be killed and put to death. Luke writes how the Lord Jesus would be led away and how he would indeed be forced and compelled to carry His cross upon His already weakened form. Of course we know and understand that while Jesus was forced and compelled to carry His own cross they would lay hold upon one whose name was Simon a Cyrenian and compel him to carry the cross of the Lord Jesus Christ. Luke writes how the Roman soldiers would lay hold of Simon and would lay the cross upon his shoulders and back that he might bear it after Jesus. On this particular day Jesus would indeed be led to the place of the skull where He would be nailed to the cross and ultimately be killed and crucified. In fact Luke writes how together with Jesus there were two other also who were led with Him to be put to death—those who were malefactors and guilty of and sentenced to death. That which we find in this particular passage of Scripture is incredibly unique and powerful for when we think about the cross of Jesus we must needs recognize that not even He could nor would He carry His cross all by Himself. Scripture makes it very clear that there was indeed one whom they would compel to not only walk the same path which Jesus walked but also to carry the cross which Jesus would ultimately die and. Be put to death upon. I cannot help but be absolutely gripped and captivated with the words which are found in this passage of Scripture for this man by the name of Simon would indeed be forced and compelled to carry the cross which Jesus would ultimately be killed and crucified upon. Oh there is a part of me that can’t help but wonder if Jesus initially and originally began carrying His cross, however, because of His already weakened state and form He was unable to carry it the rest of the way to the place of the skull. If it is indeed possible that Jesus had in fact carried His cross for a certain period of time before Simon the Cyrenian would be compelled to help him carry it the rest of the way then I can’t help but wonder if Jesus’ blood would have been present upon that cross. Is it possible that the cross would have already been stained with the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ and when Simon the Cyrenian was compelled to carry the cross of the Lord Jesus he would indeed experience the blood of this man from Nazareth staining his own clothes. Imagine the garments of Simon the Cyrenian somehow being stained with the blood of the Lord Jesus which was present upon the cross. Oh what a truly awesome and powerful truth it is when we read the words which are found in this passage of Scripture for it call and draws our attention to the incredible reality of Simon being forced and compelled to carry the cross of the Lord Jesus whose physical form and body would have been entirely and altogether weakened because of the tremendous suffering and being scourged by the Roman soldiers in the Praetorium. With all of this being said I find myself being captivated by the words which we read in the thirty-third verse of this chapter for this particular verse would indeed begin with the words “and when they were come to the place.” I have to admit that I find incredibly significance in these words for when Jesus was led away by the Roman soldiers and when Jesus was led along the Via Dolorosa He would indeed be led unto a very specific place. Luke writes that when Jesus and the thieves as well as Simon the Cyrenian were come to the place He was in that place crucified. In this place which was called Calvary the Lord Jesus would indeed be killed and crucified as His hands and feet would indeed nailed to the beams of the cross. Oh with this being said I can’t help but think about another son who was led to a specific place according to the word and will of the Father which was in heaven. I can’t help but think about another son who was led to a place which would be shown and revealed by the Father which was in heaven. We know from reading the words which are found in this passage of Scripture that Jesus, the two thieves who were to be crucified together with him, Simon the Cyrenian and those who walked with Jesus and those who followed behind would come to the place which was called Calvary. Oh I have to admit I absolutely love the words which are found in this passage of Scripture for what we find in the thirty-third verse is Luke writing how they were come to the place—something which has a tremendous link and connection to that which we find in the Old Testament. It is in the Old Testament where we find another son who was led by the father unto a very specific place which the living and eternal God would show him. It would be in the twenty-second chapter of the Old Testament book of Genesis we encounter the living and eternal God speaking unto Abraham and instructing and commanding him to take his one and only son Isaac whom he loved and sacrifice him as a burnt offering upon the altar in the place where He would show him. I am convinced that in order to truly understand the words which are found in this passage of Scripture we must needs recognize and understand the narrative and account of Abraham and Isaac for there are some incredibly powerful similarities and connections between these two stories. In fact I would dare say that in the account of Abraham and Isaac we see a powerful picture of the divine exchange that would take place between the Father and the eternal and only begotten Son of the Father as He was preparing to face the suffering and scourging before ultimately being killed and put to death. There is not a doubt in my mind that what we find and read in the twenty-second chapter of the Old Testament book of Genesis is indeed a wonderful and powerful picture of that which we find in the account of the Lord Jesus who would indeed experience suffering and scourging before ultimately being killed and crucified. The Lord Jesus would be forced to carry the wood of His own sacrifice and offering upon His back and shoulders just as Isaac himself would carry the wood of his own sacrifice and offering. Oh it’s truly astonishing to read the words which are found in the Old Testament book of Genesis for the question Isaac would ask Abraham would seem to indicate that he was entirely and altogether unaware of what his father was intending. Moreover I would dare say that Isaac at that time was not aware of that which his father had been commanded and instructed by the living God. Oh there is a part of me that can’t help but wonder what went through Isaac’s mind as he was bound by his father—and not only bound by his father but also as he was laid there upon the altar knowing that only sacrifices and offerings would be placed upon the altar. Imagine what would have gone through this young lad’s mind as he would not only be bound but would also be placed and laid upon the altar there in the place the living God showed unto his father Abraham. Having said all of this I find it absolutely necessary to call and draw your attention to the words which we see in the twenty-second chapter of the Old Testament book of Genesis. It is in this Old Testament passage of Scripture we encounter and are indeed brought face to face with the wonderful truth of a man who was considered to be the friend of God and yet was asked of the LORD to take his one and only son whom he loved and sacrifice him as an offering in the place where he would be shown of the LORD. Here in this Old Testament passage of Scripture we find a powerful account and narrative of the provision of the LORD as it would be here in this place where we would learn the name Jehovah-jireh which speaks of the provision of the living God. It would be this. Name of the living God that would be given after the LORD would speak to Abraham from heaven and instruct him not to lay a hand upon Isaac his one and only son. Oh I can’t help but wonder what it was like for Abraham and Isaac as Abraham would take his son off the altar and loose him from that which he had bound him with. REMOVING THE SON FROM THE ALTAR! REPLACING THE SON ON THE ALTAR! The words which we find in this Old Testament passage of Scripture are incredibly powerful when you take the time to think about it for within it we not only find the son removed from the altar but we also find the son replaced upon the altar thus bringing us face to face with the incredible and wonderful reality of substitution. When asked where the lamb and offering was for the sacrifice Abraham would respond to Isaac declaring that the LORD Himself would provide. This is something we must needs recognize and pay attention to for it brings us face to face with what we find in the New Testament as there would be another substitution that would take place. The substitution that would take place in the New Testament would indeed be the LORD once more providing a lamb for the sacrifice with the exception of this lamb being the Lamb of God which takes away the sin of the world. I read the words presented in the twenty-second chapter of the Old Testament book of Genesis and I can’t help but see in Isaac a picture of the Lord Jesus Christ for just as Isaac would be forced to carry the wood of the sacrifice upon his shoulders so also would the Lord be forced to carry the wood of His sacrifice upon His back and shoulders unto the place where He would ultimately be killed and crucified. With this being said I find it absolutely necessary to call and draw your attention to the awesome reality and truth that just as in the case of Abraham and Isaac there would be a substitution so also would there be a substitution in the narrative and account of the Lord Jesus Christ. It would be in the narrative and account of Abraham and Isaac that a substitution would be made as the son of the father would be removed from the altar and that same son would be replaced by a ram which had been caught by his horns in a thicket. In the narrative and account of the Lord Jesus we find another substitution taking place as Jesus would indeed take the place of Barabbas who should have been the one to be nailed to the cross and put to death. Instead of Barabbas experiencing the suffering and the nails of crucifixion it would be the Lord Jesus who would experience the suffering, the scourging and the crucifixion. What’s more is that through Barabbas we see an earthly and natural picture and symbol of our own lives as Jesus was indeed the substitution for you and I as we ourselves were deserving of death. We have indeed sinned and fallen short of the glory of God and the wages of our sin was indeed death. Despite this being the case, however, we must needs recognize and understand that instead of you and I being condemned and sentenced to death we were indeed permitted to be released from our shackles and chains—and not only released from our chains and shackles but also pronounced as innocent. We know that Barabbas would be released from his chains and shackles and yet he would still be guilty of the murder and sedition which was mentioned in the New Testament gospel narrative written by Luke. Barabbas would indeed be guilty of murder and sedition and even when he was released from his chains and shackles it would not erase his guilt or even the shame that was directly connected to it. It is at this particular juncture I find it absolutely necessary to call and draw your attention to the words which are found in the twenty-second chapter of the Old Testament book of Genesis. Within this passage of Scripture we encounter and are brought face to face with the account of Abraham being commanded of the living and eternal God to take his one and only son Isaac whom he loved and offer him as a sacrifice upon the altar in the place that he would be shown. Here in this place which would be shown unto Abraham there would indeed be a substitution that would be made as rather than Abraham plunging the knife through the heart of his son Isaac and offering him as a sacrifice upon the altar he would use that same knife and put to death the ram which was caught in the thickets and offer it as a sacrifice instead of his son Isaac. With this in mind I invite you to consider the following words which are found in this passage of Scripture found in the Old Testament book of Genesis: “And it came to pass after these things, that God did tempt Abraham, and said unto him, Abraham: and he said, Behold, here I am. And he said, Take now thy son, thine only son Isaac, whom thou lovest, and get thee into the land of Moriah; and offer him there for a burnt offering upon one of the mountains which I will tell thee of. And Abraham rose up early in the morning, and saddled his ass, and took two of his young men with him, and Isaac his son, and clave the wood for the burnt offering, and rose up, and went unto the place of which God had told him. Then on the third day Abraham lifted up his eyes, and saw the place afar off. And Abraham said unto his young men, Abide ye here with the ass; and I and the lad will go yonder and worship, and come again to you. And Abraham took the wood of the burnt offering, and laid it upon Isaac his son; and he took the fire in his hand, and a knife; and they went both of them together. And Isaac spake unto Abraham his father, and said, My father: and he said, Here am I, my son. And he said, Behold the fire and the wood: but where is the lamb for a burnt offering? And Abraham said, My son, God will provide himself a lamb for a burnt offering: so they went both of them together. And they came to the place which God had told him of; and Abraham built an altar there, and laid the wood in order, and bound Isaac his son, and laid him on the altar upon the wood. And Abraham stretched forth his hand, and took the knife to slay his son. And the angel of the LORD called unto him out of heaven, and said, Abraham, Abraham: and he said, Here am I. And he said, Lay not thine hand upon the lad, neither do thou any thing unto him: for now I know that thou fearest God, seeing thou hast not withheld thy son, thine only son from me. And Abraham lifted up his eyes, and looked, and behold behind him a ram caught ina. Thicket by his horns: and Abraham went and took the ram, and offered him up for a burnt offering in the stead of his son. And Abraham called the name of that place Jehovah-jireh: as it is said to this day, In the mount of the LORD it shall be seen. And the angel of the LORD called unto Abraham out of heaven the second time, and said, By myself have I sworn, saith the LORD, for because thou hast done this thing, and hast not withheld thy son, thine only son: that in blessing I will bless thee, and in multiplying I will multiply thy seed as the stars of the heaven, and as the sand which is upon the sea shore; and thy seed shall possess the gate of his enemies; because thou hast obeyed my voice. So Abraham returned unto his young men, and they rose up and went together to Beer-sheba; and Abraham dwelt at Beer-sheba” (Genesis 22:1-19). I absolutely love the words which we find in this passage of Scripture for within it we find a wonderful picture of the sacrifice and offering which the Lord Jesus would make. In this narrative of Abraham and Isaac we find the son being removed from the altar and being replaced on the altar by the ram which was caught in the thicket, however, in the case of the Lord Jesus we do not find the son being removed from the altar but we find the Son remaining and abiding upon the altar. What’s more is that in the case of the Lord Jesus the Son is the Lamb—and not only the Lamb but the Lamb which is the offering and which takes away the sin of the world. WHEN THE SON BECOMES A LAMB! In the narrative of Abraham and Isaac we find the son being bound and laid upon the altar and the father preparing to plunge the knife into the heart and flesh of his son, however, before Abraham could complete the action the angel of the LORD would speak unto Abraham and command him not to do any harm to t he lad for he knew that he was one who feared the Lord. Instead of putting to death his one and only son whom he loved Abraham would be given his son back very much alive as the son would be delivered from the altar and returned unto his father. REMOVED FROM THE ALTAR AND RETURNED AND RESTORED TO THE FATHER! With this being said, however, there was still the matter of sacrifice and offering which needed to take place in that place which would not only be satisfied by the ram which was caught in the thickets but would also be provided for by that same ram. It would be the ram which was caught in the thickets which would be killed and laid upon the altar which Abraham had built as an offering and sacrifice in place of his son whom he loved. What we find in the case of the Lord Jesus, however, is that the Son would indeed become the Lamb and the Lamb would not be removed from the altar. The Lamb would indeed be restored unto the Father, however, the only way for the Lamb who was the Son to be restored unto the Father was through suffering and through death. I have to admit the more I read the words which are found in this passage of Scripture call and draw our attention to the incredible truth surrounding the sacrifice and offering of the Lord Jesus. In all reality I absolutely love that what we find in this passage of Scripture is not only a sacrifice but it is also a substitution. It would be very easy to read the words found in this passage of Scripture and to lose sight of the miracle and supernatural work of substitution that took place within it and yet I am convinced that to do so would be to miss the beautiful work which Jesus came to accomplish on our behalf. Within this passage of Scripture we find One who was entirely and altogether innocent and free of any wrongdoing and offense being condemned to death. What’s more is I would even suggest that when Barabbas was being released from his chains and shackles there was not a single person who was railing against him, or condemning him, or passing judgment against and upon him. When I read the words found in this passage of Scripture I am brought face to face with the truth that when Barabbas was being released from the chains and shackles which had bound him there was no one in the midst of the angry mob who was hurling insults at him and condemning him for his actions. Barabbas was able to walk free completely released from his chains and shackles—and not only released from his chains and shackles but also able to walk without condemnation or retaliation from any member of the Jewish mob. Oh I continue to find myself being absolutely and utterly amazed at what is found in this passage of Scripture for within it we are brought face to face with a divine substitution and switch that was made as the sinless and spotless Lamb of God would indeed be condemned and sentenced to death as Pilate would pass judgment against and upon Him. What’s more and what we must needs understand is that even though Pilate sentenced Jesus to death he was by no means condemning Him as being guilty. Pilate had already stated to the Jewish mob that he found no fault in this man and even though he would sentence Him to death it was by no means a declaration from him that Jesus was innocent. AFTER THE RELEASE! The more I read the words presented in this passage of Scripture the more I am brought face to face with the tremendous truth surrounding the release of Barabbas and what his life would and could have been like after the release. What do you do when you were previously chained and shackled and imprisoned and were permitted to be released and set free knowing another was condemned to death in your place? How do you react and how do you respond when you were previously condemned and perhaps even sentenced to death and yet instead of experiencing death you found yourself being released of your chains and shackles? Barabbas was indeed released, however, one thing that did not and would not change was the fact that he was still guilty of those things for which he was previously taken into custody. Barabbas was indeed guilty of murder and sedition and Luke makes it perfectly clear that this was indeed the case for him in this particular chapter. It’s important to recognize and note that although barabbas was indeed released from custody it was not an acquittal of charges. Barabbas was released based on a tradition which Pilate had at that time of the year each year—and not only based on tradition but also based on substitution. On this particular day there was going to be prisoner that would be set free, however, it was simply a matter of which prisoner would indeed be set free and delivered. Oh it is what we find here in this passage of Scripture that causes me to be reminded of the words which the apostle Paul wrote in the fifth chapter of the New Testament epistle written unto the Roman saints. What’s more is I am also reminded of the words the apostle Paul wrote in the eighth chapter of the same epistle as well as the words which are presented in the fifth chapter of the second epistle written unto the Corinthian saints. Not only this but I am also reminded of the words which the apostle Paul wrote in the third chapter of the epistle which was written unto the Philippian saints. Consider if you will the following passages of Scripture and meditate upon them within your heart and how they are intrinsically connected to the beautiful reality of substitution and sacrifice which the Lord Jesus made on our behalf: “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; and patience, experience; and experience, hope: and hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement” (Romans 5:1-11). “Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned: (For until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law. Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam’s transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come. But not as the offense, so also is the fee gift. For if through the offense of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many. And not as it was by one that sinned, so is the free gift: for the judgment was by one to condemnation, but the free gift is of many offenses unto justification. For if by one man’s offense death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall rein in life by one, Jesus Christ.) Therefore as by the offense of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one that free gift came upon all men unto justification of life. For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous. Moreover the law entered, that the offense might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound: that as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord” (Roman’s 5:12-21). Consider the following words which are found in the eighth chapter of this same New Testament epistle written by the apostle Paul unto the Roman believers: “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: that the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you. Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh. For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live” (Romans 8:1-13). “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. For whom he did foreknowledge, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified. What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? He that sparred not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things? Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God’s elect? It is God that jusfifieth. Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 9:28-39). And here are the words which the apostle Paul wrote unto the Corinthians in the fifth chapter of the second epistle which was written and sent unto them: “Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more. Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; to wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, now imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God. For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him” (2 Corinthians 5:16-21). Consider the following words which are found in the third chapter of the epistle written by the apostle Paul unto the Philippian saints beginning with the seventh verse: “But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. Yea doubtless, and I count allo things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, and be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: that I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; if by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead. Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this. One thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you. Nevertheless, where to we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing” (Philippians 3:7-16). These words are absolutely incredible when you take the time to think about them for they call our attention to the deliverance from the condemnation, from the shame, from the guilt and even from the offenses themselves through the person of the Lord Jesus Christ. When we look at the account of Barabbas we see one who was released from his shackles and chains and yet that by no means delivered and released him from the condemnation, the guilt and the shame he might have felt over his actions. There is a part of me that can’t help but wonder if Barabbas didn’t experience a certain remorse, shame and even guilt and regret over his actions while in prison and in shackles and chains. Could it be that upon his release from those shackles and chains he was forced to confront life in a completely and entirely different manner? Is it possible that when Barabbas was released from his chains and shackles—although he could not erase and take back what he had done—he realized and understood that he had been given a new lease and second chance on life? I can’t help but think about Barabbas perhaps not being able to forget those things which he had done—especially murder—and yet knowing that he was a free man. I would like to think that because of the divine exchange and substitution that took place between himself and Jesus he would have experienced a tremendous work of the Spirit within his heart and life that would have changed and transformed him. I am absolutely captivated with the story regarding Barabbas and how although he was guilty of both murder and sedition he would be permitted to go free and be set free from his chains and shackles. What’s more is that not only would he be delivered and set free from his chains and shackles but he would also be delivered from any possibility of facing death. Although his actions undoubtedly would have required and warranted him to be put to death he would escape that death simply because an innocent man would be condemned and sentenced to death. We dare not and must not miss the incredible importance of what is found in this passage of Scripture for it calls our attention to the truth of one man who was indeed utterly transformed by and through release. TRANSFORMED BY A SECOND CHANCE! Scripture is entirely and altogether unclear whether or not Barabbas experienced change and transformation, however, I find it hard to believe that the thief on the cross who asked Jesus to remember him when He entered into His kingdom would be the only one who experienced change and forgiveness. There is a part of me that believes with everything inside of me that the Roman centurion who was there at Calvary and proclaimed that Jesus was the Son of God was changed and transformed through the events of that day. With this being said I would also suggest that Simon the Cyrenian was himself changed and transformed by being compelled to carry the cross of the Lord Jesus Christ. Not only this but I would also suggest that Barabbas himself would have been completely and utterly changed through his encounter with the person of the Lord Jesus Christ. Although Barabbas might not have had any physical communication with the person of the Lord Jesus Christ and only experienced freedom and deliverance from his chains and shackles I can’t help but think that he was indeed one who was completely and utterly changed by the events of that day. TRANSFORMED THROUGH THE POWER OF RELEASE AND SUBSTITUTION! TRANSFORMED THROUGH CARRYING THE CROSS OF JESUS CHRIST! TRANSFORMED THROUGH A BROKEN PLEA FROM THE CROSS! TRANSFORMED THROUGH THE EVENTS OF JESUS’ DEATH! I am absolutely convinced that each of these individuals might very well have experienced a complete and utter transformation as a direct result of the events which took place on this day with the thief on the cross experiencing the ultimate transformation as on that day he would be present with the Lord Jesus in paradise. I sit here today thinking about and considering the words which are present here in this passage of Scripture and I am confronted with the change and transformation that would have taken place within the hearts and lives of those who experienced the events of that day. Barabbas would indeed be one who was guilty of murder and sedition and undoubtedly faced imminent death and yet he would not only experience deliverance from his chains and shackles but would also experience deliverance from death itself. There is something truly captivating and wonderful about the narratives and stories that were interwoven through the account of Jesus’ death on the cross for it would be through His suffering, through His carrying of the cross, through His crucifixion and even through His condemnation and sentencing to death the lives of certain individuals would be forever changed. I firmly believe that the life of Simon the Cyrenian would have been completely and utterly changed and transformed as a direct result of carrying the cross of the Lord Jesus Christ. What’s more is I can’t help but wonder if Simon the Cyrnenian would have helped Jesus carry His cross to the place of the skull which was called Calvary and remained there in that place. I can’t help but wonder if this man named Simon of Cyrene helped Jesus carry His cross unto Calvary and once there he would witness and behold His being nailed to the cross and then the cross raised into its place where Jesus would hang there upon the cross. Imagine this man who helped Jesus carry His cross remaining in that place to watch and observe the end of the matter. Stop and think about this man who was chosen to carry the cross of the Lord Jesus Christ being compelled by something he perhaps couldn’t explain as he remained at Calvary and watched the person of Jesus of Nazareth be nailed to the tree. What’s more is I can’t help but wonder if Barabbas himself might not have ventured to Calvary and to the place where the Lord Jesus would indeed be nailed to the cross after being set free from his shackles and chains. TRANSFORMED THROUGH THE SUFFERING OF CHRIST! TRANSFORMED THROUGH THE CRUCIFIXION OF CHRIST! TRANSFORMED THROUGH THE TRIAL OF CHRIST! As I prepare to bring this writing to a close I find it absolutely wonderful to think about the lives of those men and women who were indeed transformed through the trial, the suffering, the scourging and the death of the Lord Jesus. You cannot read the gospel narratives and not see those whose lives were transformed through the suffering and crucifixion of the Lord Jesus and the lives of those who were transformed through true resurrection. If you read the final two chapters of this gospel narrative you will encounter the lives of certain individuals who were transformed through the sufferings of the Lord Jesus—Barabbas the seditious murderer, Simon the cross bearer, the thief on the cross, and the Roman soldier who stood beholding the lifeless body of Jesus. In the twenty-fourth and final chapter of this gospel you will encounter the absolutely wonderful truth surrounding the resurrection of the Lord Jesus and how the woman who went to the tomb were the first to encounter the truth that Jesus had indeed risen from the grave and was no longer buried in the tomb. In the twenty-fourth and final chapter we begin to see the lives of others who were transformed by the resurrection of Jesus as Peter himself would race to the tomb to see for himself the empty grave with the graveclothes lying there in the midst of the tomb. What’s more is there are the two men who were journeying on the road to Emmaus who were personally changed and transformed by the resurrected Christ who not only walked with them in the midst of and through their confusion and disillusionment but who was also willing to expound unto them everything that was written concerning Himself in the Law and the prophets. There is an absolutely wonderful and powerful truth that is found within the final chapters of the gospel written by Luke for it brings us face to face with the change and transformation that can and does in fact take place as a direct result of the suffering and death which He would endure. I read the words which are found in the final verses of the twenty-third chapter and I am confronted with what was written concerning the centurion who was present at Calvary at the death of Jesus. In verses forty-four through forty-six of this chapter we find that there was a darkness over all the earth until the ninth hour and that the sun itself was darkened. What’s more is that the at the time of Jesus’ death the veil of the temple was rent in the midst as Jesus cried out with a loud voice and commended His spirit into the hands of the Father. The other gospel authors write of an earthquake which struck the earth which coupled together with the darkness which covered the face of the earth and how Jesus died would be a strong witness for the Roman centurion who was there at the cross. Luke writes concerning this centurion that when he saw what was done he glorified God proclaiming that this truly was a righteous man. Another gospel account records this centurion as making the declaration that Jesus was indeed the Son of the living God. I absolutely love this for there is something incredibly powerful about the events which took place on this particular day and how through the death and suffering of the Lord Jesus Christ the lives of countless individuals were changed and transformed. What’s more is that it would be through the gospel narrative written by the apostle Matthew we find that when the earthquake struck the earth at the death of Jesus the graves of many of the righteous dead were opened. The apostle Matthew goes on to record how although the graves of many of the righteous dead were opened at the time of Jesus’ death those righteous dead which were in the midst of the grave would not come forth until Jesus was actually raised from the grave. Oh there is something absolutely incredible about graves being opened at the death of the Lord Jesus and those whose bodies were in the graves coming forth at His resurrection for within it we see the link between the death of Jesus and His resurrection. Oh that there would be a people in the earth who are without a doubt completely and utterly changed and transformed by the power of the suffering of our Lord, by the power of the death and crucifixion of our Lord and by His resurrection from the grave and triumph over sin, death, hell and the grave.