But they all cried out together, “Away with this man, and release to us Barabbas”— a man who had been thrown into prison for an insurrection started in the city and for murder. Pilate addressed them once more, desiring to release Jesus, but they kept shouting, “Crucify, crucify him!”
Luke 23:18-21
Lord Jesus, on this Good Friday my soul meditates on the fact that even as You were substituted for the vial and vicious murderer Barabbas, You were substituted for me. Though in my eyes my sinfulness does not come close to his, yet in the eyes of our Father, the stain is deep and the offense is real. The penalty that I deserve is the selfsame penalty that You paid. You took my place, suffered what I should have suffered, and died the death I should have died. Why? Because of Your love for me! And not just me, but for the countless host of others who dare to have faith in You! This day, I lift my hands and heart to You in eternal gratitude. At the cross, on that rugged tree, You allowed Your creation to abuse and mistreat You, looking beyond the suffering in that moment that You might not only please our Father, but also welcome the likes of me into Your family. Today, I just want to say thank You for Your unmerited, unfathomable, and unconditional love. Thank You for finding value in me even when I did not see it in myself. Thank You for dying that I might have life. Lord Jesus, my King, thank You!