Fwd: PBPC Daily - Good Friday

Good morning, friends.

Today is Good Friday. This is the day of Christ's condemnation and crucifixion. While we long for the good news of Easter, we also realize that there is no resurrection without death.

I encourage you to take some time today to sit quietly and read Matthew 26:57-27:66. This is a long passage, but don't rush through. Reflect upon the experience of Jesus, but also notice the other people in the story: the religious leaders, intent on destroying Jesus; Peter, who denies Jesus in spite of his best intentions; Judas, filled with regret and despair over his betrayal; Pilate, who washes his hands as he allows Jesus to be condemned; the soldiers, for whom tormenting this prisoner is simple sport; the crowd, that mocks this apparently failed messiah; the bandits crucified along with Jesus, who spend their final breaths taunting him.

One other character is mentioned - Barabbus, a notorious prisoner. Pilate offered the crowd an opportunity to release one prisoner, and gave them the choice of Jesus or Barabbus. The crowd chose to release the criminal Barabbus and to have Jesus crucified.

Barabbus could represent every other person in the story, the guilty man who goes free while the innocent man is condemned, shamed, and publicly executed. Barabbus could also represent you and me, for it was our sins that Jesus bore on the cross.

"For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God." 2 Corinthians 5:21

Our guilt and shame were on that cross. And we have been set free. Allow yourself to feel awe and gratitude for this today.

Blessings,

Pastor Chris