Day 4 - Sunday Sermon Recap

Welcome to day 4 of our devotional based on last Sunday’s Sermon:

Matthew 27:15-23 - Now at the feast the governor was accustomed to release for the crowd any one prisoner whom they wanted. And they had then a notorious prisoner called Barabbas. So when they had gathered, Pilate said to them, “Whom do you want me to release for you: Barabbas, or Jesus who is called Christ?” For he knew that it was out of envy that they had delivered him up. Besides, while he was sitting on the judgment seat, his wife sent word to him, “Have nothing to do with that righteous man, for I have suffered much because of him today in a dream.” Now the chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowd to ask for Barabbas and destroy Jesus. The governor again said to them, “Which of the two do you want me to release for you?” And they said, “Barabbas.” Pilate said to them, “Then what shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ?” They all said, “Let him be crucified!” And he said, “Why? What evil has he done?” But they shouted all the more, “Let him be crucified!”

The story of Barabbas in Matthew’s gospel vividly illustrates the substitutionary nature of Christ's death. Like Barabbas, we stand guilty before God, deserving punishment. Yet Christ takes our place, bearing our sins and giving us His righteousness. This great exchange is at the heart of the gospel. 

Today, spend time meditating on the personal implications of this truth. How does it change your view of yourself and your relationship with God? Express your gratitude to God for this undeserved gift, and consider how you can live in a way that reflects your new identity in Christ.