He Took My Place (Barabbas)

March 11, 2007

Opening Text:   Luke 9:18-26, 51

He Took My Place (Barabbas)

Matthew 27:16-26

Proposition: Christ died in our place.

Show the Clip - What Kind of a Knight Are You? (Shrek)

As we approach Resurrection Sunday and study the accounts of the Cross, many of you find yourself like princess Fiona in the clip.  You are know how it goes.  You have read the book, seen the movies, bought the memorabilia.  A series on getting Real about the Cross, seems redundant.  We know the cross, we understand the stories, the symbolism and the theology involved.  But do we really?  Do we understand the cross as those who were there did?  Does our skipping to the end of the story mean we miss some details.  Let me ask you to indulge me.  For the next few seconds visualize this phrase: Three Crosses.

I.  Barabbas

Son of Abba (Father)

People are familiar with him, possibly that he’s a folk hero.  Robin Hood.

Roman’s have convicted him of insurrection (Mark 15:7, Luke 23:19, John 18:40)

- Arrested with the Insurrectionists where a murder takes place

- Charged with Insurrection and Murder

- Robber

II.  Jesus

Son of God

He’s lost his popularity, not going to lead a political revolution

Jews charge him with insurrection, Pilate carries out the sentence

III.  Jesus and Us

Jesus also dies for sin

Those are our sins.  Jesus dies for our lies, our sinful thoughts, our sinful actions

How do we respond?  We do not know how Barabbas responded to his freedom, but you do today have the opportunity to know how you respond.

Why sit in a cell after freedom has been declared?

Why live as a criminal when you have been freed.  Ephesians 4:1