WHO WAS BARABBAS?

Do you know the meaning of the word “bandit?”

Bandits are people who behave badly. They are thieves, liars, people who would use violence to get what they want, like terrorists. Bandits usually break the law and normally end up in jail.

That’s how Barabbas was. He was a terrorist who went against Roman law; that’s why he was in prison. in spite of being a bandit, he had many followers.

Barabbas was very famous. Everyone yelled his name so that the Roman governor, called Pilate, would set him free, as was the tradition during the Passover feast. When Pilate let the people choose between freeing Barabbas or Jesus, the jews chose Barabbas.

But who do you think was guilty, Barabbas or Jesus? Of course, Barabbas was the guilty one! Jesus was innocent, He had done nothing wrong.

Do you know whose cross Jesus died on? That cross had been prepared for Barabbas—he was the one who had broken the law; he was a terrorist.

However, Jesus took the place of Barabbas. Jesus died in his place. Maybe you and | are not bandits like Barabbas, but it doesn’t matter how bad you are, Jesus took your place, too.

Jesus died for you and me. Do you know why? Because God is love and He loves us so much that He doesn’t want anything bad to happen to us.

Jesus wants to save all of us, but He can’t do it if that’s not what we want.

Who are you going to choose today? Do you accept Jesus as your Savior?

Write your answer in your Prayer Journal.