WATCHWORD:
15 Now at the feast the governor was accustomed to release for the crowd any one prisoner whom they wanted. 16 And they had then a notorious prisoner, called Barab′bas. 17 So when they had gathered, Pilate said to them, “Whom do you want me to release for you, Barab′bas or Jesus who is called Christ?” … 21 The governor again said to them, “Which of the two do you want me to release for you?” And they said, “Barab′bas.” 22 Pilate said to them, “Then what shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ?” They all said, “Let him be crucified.” Matthew 27:15-17, 21-22
35 When they had crucified him, they divided up his clothes by casting lots. 36 And sitting down, they kept watch over him there. 37 Above his head they placed the written charge against him: this is jesus, the king of the jews.. Matthew 27:35-37
Meditation:
Good Friday
- Kishle Prison, Jerusalem — From his throne, high above the courtyard, Pilate watched the crowd. When both Jesus and Barabbas stood before him, he rose and addressed the crowd below: “Which of these men, should I release; Jesus, who has done nothing wrong, or Barabbas, a convicted criminal? Which one should receive a pardon? The crowd…chanted give us Barabbas!
- Pilate asked again, “Which of these two men, should I release?”, and the crowd answered, even more loudly, give us Barabbas!
- What, then for Jesus of Nazareth? The crowd began to chant, ‘crucify him!’ Pilate, again said, “But, Jesus, has done nothing wrong.” Still, the crowd yelled even more loudly, ‘crucify him!’
- Pilate, true to his word, pardoned Barabbas and ordered his release.
- With reluctance, Pilate ordered Jesus turned over to the executioners. Crucifixion would be carried out that day. The crowd roared their approval.
- Barabbas stood there, bewildered and confused, not understanding what had happened. The guards roughly lead him down the stairs to the prison gates. The locking beam was lifted, the huge gates were opened, and the guards pushed him out into the street. Even as the gates slammed shut behind him, he could not fully comprehend what had just happened.
- Barabbas found himself on Calvary and a jeering crowd caused him to turn. There was that mob of men, following Jesus, striking him with whips. Behind them came another man, dragging a long, heavy post. Barabbas realized that these were parts of a cross. It was a sad, awful scene. Again, he tried to leave, but, now, the crowd surrounded him, blocking his way.
- He was forced to watch as guards assembled the cross, and roughly pushed Jesus upon it. His back was torn and bloody from the beatings. They took nails and hammered them into his wrists and ankles. With each hammer blow, Barabbas shuddered, as if feeling the pain. Yet this man, this Jesus, made no sound at all.
- That man, Barabbas thought, there on the cross meant for him, dying for him? Why would anyone die for someone else? There had to be a reason.
- He looked back to the cross and realized that Jesus was now looking at him. Him! He was not mistaken. Jesus was looking directly at him. He looked away for a moment, then back to the cross and Jesus. Their eyes met for a powerful moment. Jesus was not accusing him. No, it was as if he was recognizing Barabbas and accepting him, as his…what? Just that: As His.
Sunday was coming and our Lord and Savior will emerge and we will know that He is God. But, what about Barabbas? Will his encounter with Jesus make a difference for him in his life? In that moment, in the garden, by that tomb, the world stood still. To those who had witnessed the day, did their hopes die? Was the tragedy of the death of Jesus too hard to process? Was the grief suffocating? Most of the disciples were not there on Calvary. With their lack of understanding, they could not watch their master die. Can you even imagine the impact on Mary, mother of Jesus, on the disciple John, and the loyal Mary Magdalene, who followed? We know little of Joseph of Arimathea or the Pharisee Nicodemus, yet they were there and they lovingly cared for the Body of Jesus. Were they changed?
What about you and your own encounter with Jesus the Christ? How will this Easter morning, and all that it contains, change your life? Can you say, with Barabbas, you are His?
(Points related to both Jesus and Barabbas based on Biblical facts. Jesus’ encounter with Barabbas and his reaction are excerpts from Stan Escott’s novel A Life for Barabbas.)
If You Missed a Day:
Here are the earlier Watchwords for Holy Week:
Palm Sunday – https://bosworth30.com/watchword/palm-sunday/
Holy Week Monday – https://bosworth30.com/watchword/holy-week-monday/
Holy Week Tuesday – https://bosworth30.com/watchword/holy-week-tuesday/
Holy Week Wednesday – https://bosworth30.com/watchword/holy-wednesday/
Holy Week Thursday – https://bosworth30.com/watchword/maundy-thursday/
A Good Friday Prayer:
Dear God, We remember today, the pain and suffering of the cross, and all that Jesus was willing to endure, so we could be set free. He paid the price, such a great sacrifice, to offer us the gift of eternal life. Help us never to take for granted this huge gift of love on our behalf. Help us to be reminded of the cost of it all. Forgive us for being too busy, or distracted by other things, for not fully recognizing what you freely given, what you have done for us.
Thank you, Lord that by your wounds we are healed. Thank you that because of your huge sacrifice we can live free. Thank you that sin and death have been conquered and that your Power is everlasting. Thank you that we can say with great hope, “It is finished…” For we know what’s still to come. And death has lost its sting. We praise you for you are making all things new. Amen.
