Podcasts about Barabbas

In Mark 15:6-15, Barabbas stands as one of the most unexpected figures in the story of Jesus' crucifixion. Though guilty and condemned, he was set free while Jesus, the innocent one, was led to the cross. This message explores the biblical theme of substitutionary atonement and the grace of God displayed throughout Scripture. Barabbas received what he did not deserve because someone else took his place. The same is true for us. Listen in as we consider what Barabbas teaches us about sin, grace, and the sacrifice of Christ.

When Pontius Pilate asked 'What is truth?' he was standing face-to-face with Truth Himself, Jesus Christ. The events leading to Jesus' crucifixion reveal profound truths about sacrifice and redemption. Throughout the Old Testament, animal sacrifices could only temporarily cover sin, but they all pointed to Jesus, the perfect Lamb of God. When Pilate declared he found no guilt in Jesus, he unknowingly fulfilled the role of examining the Passover lamb for defects. The choice between Jesus and Barabbas illustrates the gospel perfectly - the innocent One took the place of the guilty. Jesus' blood doesn't just cover our sin like Old Testament sacrifices; it completely washes it away, offering us true freedom from guilt and shame.

Episode: The Turning Point — Left or Right? Every single one of us will eventually reach a critical crossroads in our lives. It’s a moment designed by God where your life can completely change direction. When you hit that turning point, you face a defining choice: do you turn to the right and follow God's truth, or do you turn to the left toward your own destruction? In this episode of Hardcore Christianity, Brother Mike celebrates his silver anniversary on the radio by diving deep into the ultimate crossroads of human history. From the ancient prayers of Israel to the modern conspiracies surrounding public figures like Charlie Kirk, this study exposes what happens when individuals and entire nations make the wrong turn. Brother Mike breaks down major biblical and historical turning points, revealing the heavy cost of a wrong choice and the beautiful restoration waiting for those who choose right: The Ultimate Rejection: Discover how the Jewish nation prayed for 400 years for the Messiah, only to reach their turning point in Matthew 27 and choose Barabbas instead, invoking a generational curse that echoed through centuries of hardship. The Jealousy of Cain: Unpack Genesis 4, where Cain faced the rejection of his offering and, instead of repenting, turned left into murderous jealousy and took the life of his brother Abel. The Pride of Lucifer: Examine the catastrophic fall of the anointed cherub in Isaiah 14. Blessed with gifts off the charts, Lucifer allowed "me, myself, and I" to take over, making a fatal wrong turn that seals his ultimate judgment in the lake of fire. The Promise of Restoration: Look ahead to the glorious future outlined in Revelation 20. Learn how born-again Christians will rule under the authority of Christ, how Israel will be saved in the final war, and how King David will serve as the earthly king in a restored kingdom. Have you already reached your turning point? Are you standing at one right now? You don't have to navigate this critical decision alone. Reclaim your path, choose the right direction, and find true deliverance. Connect with the Ministry: If you need prayer, spiritual guidance, or professional biblical counseling, reach out today. All ministry services are completely free of charge. Phone: 602-636-5800 Email: mike@hardcorechristianity.com Weekly Schedule: * Live Services: Thursday & Friday nights at 7:00 PM (Arizona Deliverance Center) Ladies Night: Tuesdays at 6:30 PM Worship Service: Saturdays at 4:30 PM Healing Service: Last Friday of every month at 7:00 PM Free Zoom Services: Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sunday evenings (Email for access) H.C.C. is a non-denominational, non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation specializing in counseling, healing, teaching, ministering in the Spirit and deliverance. It is based on Matthew, Mark, Luke & John and patterns its practice after the Book of Acts. It’s board members include one licensed Assembly of God pastor and one former Arizona prison chaplain. The ministry also operates the House of Healing and the Charity Counselor’s Association in central Phoenix. The Biblical theme of the ministry is Acts 10:38: "God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost & power. He went about doing good and healing all that were oppressed of the devil." One of the main services provided by the ministry is to provide free counseling services to the poor. https://hardcorechristianity.com/Support the show: https://hardcorechristianity.com/donations/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This sermon explores the trial of Jesus before Pontius Pilate and the contrasting responses of Pilate and Barabbas. It explains the historical background of Pilate, a Roman governor with a strained relationship with the Jewish people, and outlines the multiple phases of Jesus' trial before Jewish and Roman authorities. Although Pilate repeatedly recognized Jesus' innocence and even received a warning from his wife, he ultimately chose political convenience over truth and handed Jesus over for crucifixion. The message highlights Pilate as an example of someone who knew about Jesus but failed to commit to Him, emphasizing that knowledge alone is not enough—each person must decide whether Jesus is truly Lord. The sermon also focuses on Barabbas, a guilty criminal who was released while Jesus took his place, illustrating the Christian doctrine of grace and substitutionary atonement. Just as Barabbas was freed because Jesus was condemned, humanity receives undeserved forgiveness and salvation because Christ bore the punishment for sin. The central theme is that Pilate missed recognizing and following Jesus despite knowing the truth, while Barabbas unknowingly became the first recipient of the grace made possible through Christ's sacrifice, demonstrating God's love and redemption for all people.

In the Name of the Messiah Acts 3 by William Klock So what happens after Pentecost?  In the church's calendar we spend the first half of the year walking through the life of Jesus—maybe we think of that as the “gospel story”—and that closes with Pentecost.  And in the second half of the year we focus on the life of the church as it lives out Pentecost.  But the way the lectionary does that tends to present the life of the church in the abstract.  That's not necessarily bad.  But the book of Acts gives us an opportunity to see it in real life, in history.  And Acts is important because it makes sure we understand that the life of the church isn't some application of abstract theological principles.  Acts shows us the life of the church as very much the continuation of the story of Jesus, of that gospel narrative.  It doesn't end with the Ascension.  It doesn't end with Pentecost.  Pentecost simply begins a new chapter.  As Luke said at the beginning, in the gospel he wrote he laid out what Jesus began to do and to teach.  In Acts we see Jesus continuing to do and to teach, but now it's through his church, through his people. So last week we saw this amazing move of the Spirit.  That's how I think we mostly think of it: a move of the Spirit.  But if we've been following the story through Easter and the ascension it ought to be clear that Pentecost is, first and foremost, a move of Jesus the Messiah.  Having taken his heavenly throne to reign as king until he has put all his enemies under his feet, Jesus has sent the Spirit to enact, to make real the truth of his reign through the church.  The spirit enables the apostles, the rest of the disciples, enables us to put off the old, lie-based, rebellious way of being human and to put on the new humanity brought by Jesus' resurrection from the dead.  The Spirit makes us the working model of God's new creation in the midst of the old.  The Spirit, living within us, make us God's new temple: full of his presence, his wisdom, his gospel.  And as we fulfil his original command to are fruitful and multiply, we grow and spread that temple until God's glory fills the earth. So Pentecost doesn't stand alone.  It's not just a stage in our personal spiritual growth.  It's not even for our own benefit.  It's to carry the reign of Jesus as Lord to the world.  So, again, what happens after Pentecost?  Look at Acts, Chapter 3. [Page 1082 in the pew Bibles.]  Luke tells us, “Peter and John were going up to the temple at three o'clock in the afternoon, the time for prayer.” I think it's worth a pause there.  Peter and John and the rest of the church had become the new temple.  The very thing that was missing from old, bricks-and-mortar temple, the presence of God, had come to dwell in them.  But they still went to the old bricks-and-mortar temple.  It highlights the fact that they didn't think of Jesus, the Spirit, the new covenant, being the new Israel as being some kind of new religion.  This new thing was simply how to be a faithful Jew in light of God's promises to Israel being fulfilled in Jesus.  And so these first Christians continued to observe torah, they worshipped with their fellow Jews in the synagogues, and they went with their fellow Jews to pray in the temple.  They didn't leave Judaism for something called Christianity.  But here's the thing: You and I don't do any of those things.  We don't live according to torah, we're not circumcised, we don't observe the Jewish feasts, we don't go the temple—we can't, because God judged and destroyed it long ago—but we are part of that same family of Jesus people, that same new Israel, that same church.  Because the new Israel isn't about torah, or circumcision, or diet, or Sabbath, or biological descent from Abraham.  It's about faith in, allegiance to Jesus, Israel's Messiah, and his kingdom, and the law of love written in our hearts by his Spirit.  What marks us out is our baptism into Jesus and the law of the Spirit that overflows from within us. Now, Luke goes on: “There was a man being carried in who had been lame from his mother's womb.  People used to bring him every day to the temple gate called “Beautiful”, so that he could ask for alms from those entering the temple.  When he saw Peter and John going into the temple, he asked them to give him some money. So every day, probably for many years, this man's friends would carry him to the gate of the main temple court and leave him there to beg.  He was a fixture of the temple.  Few people probably “knew” him, but everyone was familiar with him.  Peter and John weren't from Jerusalem, but they'd probably seen the man when they visited the temple.  Maybe they'd given him money before.  But this time they have no money.  They'd left their jobs as fisherman in Galilee.  The church in Jerusalem has been surviving by living as family, pooling their resources.  Luke goes on: “Peter, with John, looked hard at him.  ‘Look at us,' he said.  The man stared at them, expecting to get something from them.  ‘I haven't got any silver or gold,' Peter said, ‘but I'll give you what I have got.  In the name of the Messiah, Jesus of Nazareth, get up and walk!'  He grabbed the man by his right hand and lifted him up.  At once his feet and ankles became strong, and he leaped to his feet and began to walk.  He went in with them into the temple, walking and jumping up and down and praising God.  All the people saw him walking and praising God, and they recognised him as the man who had been sitting begging for alms by the Beautiful Gate of the temple.  They were filled with amazement and astonishment at what had happened to him.” He got more than he bargained for and what Peter and John give this man is right in keeping with what we read at the end of Chapter 2.  Money had ceased to have any importance for the disciples.  Something far better had come along.  Money is one of those things you need to get along in the old age where things are scarce and people are greedy.  The kingdom of God is about his new creation generosity and abundance.  This is why they lived like a family and shared what God gave with each other.  It was a practical way to live out new creation in way that confronted the scarcity and greed of the old age.  They knew there was something more important, a new power, a new kind of life—something far more important than silver and gold and so they gave it to this man.  The man didn't even ask to be healed.  He'd probably given up on that idea years and years ago.  But Peter gave this man new creation in the name of Jesus. Maybe this is why Peter insisted that the man look at them.  Picture Peter looking hard into the lame man's eyes and the lame man staring back.  Maybe Peter had seen Jesus do that: looking intently into the eyes of hurting people, seeing desperation, seeing hopelessness in some and faith in others.  Making a connection.  Sharing the compassion of God for the victims of the corrupt principalities and powers of the present age.  It seems like Peter saw something there.  Maybe hope.  Maybe faith.  Maybe the man knew who Peter was.  Maybe he'd heard about what happened at Pentecost.  Peter saw something.  And he didn't just tell the man to get up and walk.  That's what Jesus would have done and Peter wasn't Jesus.  Peter had no power of his own to do anything.  Instead, Peter made it clear where the power lies: “In the name of the Messiah, Jesus of Nazareth, get up and walk.” The name is as good as the person.  Peter and John were acting as Jesus' representatives and in that capacity—so long as they were faithful to Jesus' will, his desire, his agenda, his rule and kingdom—they could act with power and authority and faith on his behalf—in his name.  And so can we.  Sometimes we forget that.  On the one hand, we pray and we add something like “through Jesus our Lord” or “in the name of Jesus” at the end of our prayers without even thinking about what it means or, on the other hand, we use Jesus' name as if it were a talisman to give our prayers legitimacy or as if just mentioning the name of Jesus will bring our will into reality.  I once prayed and when I was done, a guy came up to me afterward and said, “You didn't say ‘in Jesus' name' so your prayer won't come true.”  No.  Brothers and Sisters, saying a prayer isn't like making a wish and adding Jesus' name doesn't validate our prayers.  Whether we mention him or not, every true Christian prayer is offered to the Father through the mediation of Jesus the son.  It is through him that we have access to God.  And God answers our prayer not because we add a name, but because our whole prayer is a cry for his new creation to become reality, for it to be on earth as it is heaven.  Too often our prayers are veiled appeals to our old idols, appeals to the principalities and powers, appeals still subject to the fears and anxieties of the present evil age, outgrowths of the flesh rather than the Spirit.  And to those prayers, God answers “No”.  Brothers and Sisters, to pray in Jesus' name is to submit ourselves to the goodness and faithfulness of God; it is to pray with faithfulness and single-hearted loyalty to him as Lord, and to ask not for our will to be done, but his; to ask not for the fulfilment of our vision of the good, but his; to ask not for our kingdom to be made real, but his kingdom.  It is to understand that heaven is the storehouse of the goodness of God's kingdom, like the turkey in the refrigerator and the presents stored up under Mom and Dad's bed, all to be brought out when Christmas comes.  God's kingdom will come in all its fulness when the church, when we have made God's gospel known throughout the earth and when the knowledge of his glory covers creation as the sea.  Prayer is to ask God to give us glimpse of that final day when the presents are under the tree, ready to be opened, and the turkey is on the table and the great feast is ready.  Prayer is, to quote Karl Barth, “the beginning of an uprising against the disorder the world.”  It is to ask in hope for God's justice, God's righteousness, God's goodness, God's faithfulness, God's future to be known—even if only in a small way—right here and right now. And that's what Peter did.  And suddenly the man was jumping and dancing his way into the temple full of heaven on earth.  And everyone noticed.  Verse 11: “All the people ran together in astonishment towards Peter and John and the man was clinging to them.  They were in the part of the temple known as ‘Solomon's Porch'.  Peter saw them all and began to speak. ‘Men of Israel,' he said, ‘why are you amazed at this?  Why are you staring at us as though it was our own power or piety that made this man walk?  “The God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, the God of Jacob—the God of our fathers”—he has glorified his servant Jesus, the one you handed over and denied in the presence of Pilate, although he had decided to let him go.'” Let's pause there.  When Peter says “the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, the God of Jacob—the God of our fathers” he's taking a line from Exodus 3.  This is how the God of Israel introduced himself to Moses at the burning bush before sending him back to Egypt to demand that Pharoah let the Israelites go.  Jesus had just done this in his dispute with the Sadducees and now Peter does the same and his point is to highlight that just as with Moses and the Exodus from Egypt, the God of Israel is at work here and not just as work, but at work to bring his promises to Israel to pass.  Peter's announcing that it's happening again.  In Jesus and the Spirit; in Good Friday and Easter and Ascension and Pentecost, the God of Israel was acting once again to deliver his people from bondage, to lead them in a new exodus, to renew his covenant. We'll see this throughout Acts.  Confronted by Jesus and his mighty deeds, those early believers would go back to Exodus.  That was when God fulfilled his promises to deliver his people.  That was when they sacrificed the Passover lambs.  That was when he led them through the sea and gave them his law.  That was when he led them into the promised land and gave them an inheritance.  And when those first Christians saw Jesus and the Spirit at work it was like Moses at the burning bush seeing something amazing that he couldn't explain, and with that scene in mind, we ought to be expecting that God is still keeping his promises and is doing something extraordinary again. Peter goes on: “You denied the holy one, the just one, and requested instead to have a murderer given to you; and so you killed the Prince of Life.  But God raised him from the dead, and we are witnesses to the fact.  And it is his name, working through faith in his name, that has given strength to this man, whom you see and know.  It is faith which comes through him that has given him this new complete wholeness in front of all of you.” So Peter starts explaining Jesus by pulling images from the Jewish scriptures.  We might miss it because we don't know the Bible as well as we should; the people there that day definitely would not have.  First, Peter calls Jesus the servant of God.  Second, he stresses the innocence of Jesus.  He wasn't deserving of death, but the people of Jerusalem handed him over to Pilate.  Even Pilate, Peter says, knew Jesus was innocent.  But they demanded Pilate release Barabbas and that Jesus be crucified.  These images together draw on Isaiah's prophecy, especially Isaiah 53, the passage about the suffering servant, an innocent, who would one day, go to the slaughter like a lamb for the sins of the people.  When Peter calls him the holy one, this too brings up images of the suffering servant and of the spotless lamb.  If the people want to understand what's happened to the lame man, how he's been healed, Peter is saying that they need to think about the Exodus and they need to be thinking about Isaiah's suffering servant and understand that Jesus is standing at the centre of both of these images from Israel's story and God's promises. And this is why he calls Jesus the “Prince of Life”.  The archegos, not just prince, but also the author, the origin, the source of life.  Jesus is the sovereign one, the Lord, who brings life.  It fits with John's image of the word, who was in the beginning and through whom, as God spoke him out, was the source of everything.  Through him all things were created and now, through the word, God speaks life into the world again.  He came into the midst of corruption and sickness and death and has brought life.  And wherever he goes be brings life and in that life he announces his lordship, his sovereignty, his kingdom.  Wherever he brings life he announces his victory over sin and death, over the present evil age.  Wherever he brings life, he announces the hope of God's promises fulfilled and a world set to rights: no more death, no more sorrow, no more tears.  Ironically, his own people rejected and killed him, but God raised him from the dead to prove that Jesus is the life of the world and because of that we know, we have confidence that his life will continue to go out into the world. Peter does here what he did at Pentecost.  God did something mighty and amazing, and Peter—steeped in scripture and full of the Spirit—explains what's going on in light of the story of Israel and her God and, most importantly, showing how what's now happening is the fulfilment of what God had promised to his people.  That's the biggest thing here.  This is no faith healer, doing theatrics and putting the spotlight on himself.  Peter has absolutely no interest in that.  He makes it clear: this is all about Jesus.  The prophets had said that the world would be set to rights when the knowledge of the glory of God has covered it as the sea.  Not the knowledge of Peter.  Not the knowledge of celebrity apostles. The knowledge of the glory of God.  And so Peter's Spirit-filled purpose is to proclaim the glory of God—to make sure everyone knows not just that God is mighty and powerful, but that God is above all faithful to his promises and worthy of our trust, worthy of our allegiance, worthy of our faith.  And that's the next thing.  After announcing how this is healing is evidence of God's faithfulness, Peter issues a call to faith.  Look at verse 17: “Now, Brothers,” Peter continued, “I know that you acted in ignorance, just as your rulers did.  But this is how God has fulfilled what he promised through the mouth of all the prophets, that his Messiah would suffer.  So now repent, and turn back, so that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshment may come from the presence of the Lord, and so that he will send you Jesus, the one he chose and appointed to be his Messiah.  He must be received in heaven, you see, until the time which God spoke about through the mouth of the holy prophets from ancient days, the time when God will restore all things.  Moses said, ‘The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me, one from among your own brothers; whatever he says to you, you must pay attention to him.  And everyone who does not listen to that prophet will be cut off from the people.'  All the prophets who have spoken, from Samuel and his successors, spoke about these days too.  You are the children of the prophets, the children of the covenant which God established with your ancestors when he said to Abraham, ‘In your seed shall all the families of the earth be blessed.'  When God raised up his servant he sent him to you first, to bless you by turning each of you away from your wicked deeds.” Over and over Peter stresses that what the people are seeing is the fulfilment of God's promises going all the way back to Abraham: His promise to renew fallen Israel, his promise to reach out to the nations with this glory through this renewed people.  Peter points forward to this hope of creation set to rights that we see from this point on throughout Acts and the New Testament, said in various ways.  God will “sum up all things in the Messiah,” as we heard Paul say in Ephesians 1:10.  Through the Messiah he will “reconcile all things to himself, making peace by his blood, shed on the cross” (Colossians 1:20).  He will make “new heavens and new earth, in which justice will dwell” (Revelation 21:1).  He will overcome every power which destroys and corrupts his good creation, so that eventually God will be “all in all” (1 Corinthians 15:28).  The whole creation will be “set free from its slavery to decay, to share the liberty of the glory of God's children” (Romans 8:21).  Brothers and Sisters, it began at the cross and the empty tomb, the ascension was a sign it was all true, and Pentecost show us that we're not only a part of how these promises will be fulfilled, but we can watch as heaven invades earth with the glory of God.  We don't have to wait for some distant day to see God revealed.  We see his glory at work each day: in ourselves as his word and Spirt renew us and in the world as we live and proclaim the good news about Jesus and see faith born in others and their hearts and minds renewed by Jesus and the Spirit.  We see God's glory revealed as the weight of sin and guilt is lifted.  Notice that's part of Peter's message.  It's not just a call to repent.  It's also assurance of forgiveness.  God, through the blood of Jesus, was ready to forgive even the rejection, the hardness of heart, the rebellion of Israel when they crucified Jesus.  That's the whole point of all of this: God's great final restoration of all things is for us, for sinners, for rebels, for God-haters, right here and right now.  The gospel brings God's future into the present, because God longs to show his mercy and his grace to sinners.  As God longs for his good world that we've corrupted with our sin to be set to rights, even more he longs to set us to rights that we might once again be the stewards, the priests of his temple that he created us to be. God will, as Peter says echoing Isaiah 43:25, God will blot out the sins of those who repent.  And if his grace was big enough and Jesus' blood strong enough to blot out the sins of those who crucified him, and his Spirit powerful enough to renew their hearts and to fill them with love, Brothers and Sisters, the blood of Jesus and the renewing power of his Spirit is enough to bring God's new creation to us.  Repent and believe in the name of Jesus.  Be forgiven.  Be made whole.  Be made new.  Be refreshed.  Be God's future here and now.  Be made a witness to your family, to your friends, to everyone around you of the saving power of Jesus the Messiah. Let's pray: O God, the strength of all who put their trust in you: Mercifully accept our prayers; and because in our weakness we can do nothing good without you, give us the help of your grace, that in keeping your commandments we may please you both in will and deed; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.  Amen.

If you were writing a story about the Son of God, Mark chapter 15 is probably not the story you would write. Jesus is arrested, mocked, beaten, humiliated, and executed — and through almost all of it, He is completely silent. No protest. No retaliation. No escape. And He had every power to do all of those things. So why did Jesus choose surrender? That's the question we're sitting with today, and I think the answer changes everything about how we understand not just Easter, but every hard and unresolved season in our own lives. We walk through the full weight of what's happening in this chapter — the crowd that was shouting Hosanna just days earlier is now demanding Barabbas. Pilate, conflicted and cowardly, bends to the pressure. Jesus is crucified between two criminals, mocked by the very people He came to save. And darkness covers the land for three full hours. I want us to really sit with what the cross meant in Roman culture — this was the symbol of highest shame, of total defeat, of public humiliation. The word excruciating literally comes from the Latin word for crucifixion. And in the middle of all of that, at the very moment when Jesus cries out "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" — that is the moment theologians point to as when He took the sin of the entire world onto His shoulders and experienced, for the first and only time, separation from His Father. That cry? That is the most painful moment of all of it — not the nails, not the mockery, but the weight of sin creating distance from God. And then He says it is finished. And the temple curtain tears in two. Here's why that matters so much: that curtain separated the people from the presence of God. Only one priest, once a year, after elaborate ritual, could enter that space. When it tears — it tears because the barrier between us and God is gone. Forever. Through the breaking of Jesus's body, we now have full access to the presence of God. No more separation. No more curtain. This is not just a personal salvation transaction. This is a cosmic shift in how the world works. And it happened in what looked like the darkest, most defeated moment in history. So whatever unresolved, silent, confusing season you're in right now — I want you to know that Jesus has been there. He has gone before us in the silence, in the suffering, in the feeling of God's absence. And because He did, we never have to experience real separation from God again. What Does It Mean for Me? Can I trust God when circumstances feel unresolved? Can I trust God with the unknowns in my own story? What does surrender look like for me today? What does it look like to actually surrender at the foot of the cross, knowing that Jesus has taken my sin upon his shoulders? If I knew I was right with God — today, tomorrow, and the rest of my life — how would I feel? How would I act? What would I do? If I can't get there yet, what would that freedom even feel like — and what would it look like to move toward it? Want More? Read along: Mark 15 Old Testament prophecy fulfilled here: Isaiah 53:7 — written 600 years before Jesus's birth Psalm connection: Psalm 13:1 — "How long, Lord, will you forget me forever?" — an honest lament for hard seasons One-sentence prayer for the week: "God, help me trust that your silence is not the same thing as your absence." Book mentioned: Not What I Signed Up For by Nicole Unice — for anyone in an unexpected, disorienting, or suffering season. Includes a free video Bible study series. Find it at NicoleUnice.com Stay connected and access resources at NicoleUnice.com/realtalk Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Send us a message!We read Luke 23 straight through, sitting with Jesus' trial, crucifixion, and burial instead of saving it for one week a year. We also look at the “side characters” Luke includes and ask what their words and choices reveal about what they really think of Jesus. • why we tend to avoid the crucifixion and why we should not • Pilate's repeated finding of innocence and his eventual compromise • Herod's shallow curiosity and Jesus' silence under accusation • Barabbas released and the crowd's demand for crucifixion • Simon of Cyrene carrying the cross and what it models for discipleship • Jesus' prayer for forgiveness and the criminals' opposite responses • the repentant thief and Jesus' promise of paradise • darkness, the torn curtain, the centurion's confession, and the crowd's regret • Joseph of Arimathea's courage in burial and the women's faithful witness • the question we cannot dodge: what do we think about Jesus right now  At outloudbible.com, you can find free resources to help you study the Bible. And while you're there, send us a message to say hi, or start a conversation about having us at your church or event. If Outloud Bible has been a valuable part of your understanding of the Bible, please consider supporting the ministry by visiting outloudbible.com.Support the showCheck out outloudbible.com for helpful study resources, and to discover how to bring the public reading of God's word to your church, conference, retreat, or other event.

The weekly Sunday morning sermon delivered by Rev. James WilesMark 15:15-25“So Pilate, wishing to satisfy the crowd, released for them Barabbas, and having scourged Jesus, he delivered him to be crucified. And the soldiers led him away inside the palace (that is, the governor's headquarters), and they called together the whole battalion. And they clothed him in a purple cloak, and twisting together a crown of thorns, they put it on him. And they began to salute him, “Hail, King of the Jews!” And they were striking his head with a reed and spitting on him and kneeling down in homage to him. And when they had mocked him, they stripped him of the purple cloak and put his own clothes on him. And they led him out to crucify him. And they compelled a passerby, Simon of Cyrene, who was coming in from the country, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to carry his cross. And they brought him to the place called Golgotha (which means Place of a Skull). And they offered him wine mixed with myrrh, but he did not take it. And they crucified him and divided his garments among them, casting lots for them, to decide what each should take. And it was the third hour when they crucified him.”1. Jesus and the soldiers2. Jesus and Simon3. Jesus and the skullwww.huntsmbc.com

Islington Baptist is a church for the Islington and wider Newcastle community sharing the life-changing message of Jesus. Our sermon / Bible teaching is a central part of our gatherings.Isaiah 53;1Who has believed our message    and to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?2 He grew up before him like a tender shoot,    and like a root out of dry ground.He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him,    nothing in his appearance that we should desire him.3 He was despised and rejected by mankind,    a man of suffering, and familiar with pain.Like one from whom people hide their faces    he was despised, and we held him in low esteem.4 Surely he took up our pain    and bore our suffering,yet we considered him punished by God,    stricken by him, and afflicted.5 But he was pierced for our transgressions,    he was crushed for our iniquities;the punishment that brought us peace was on him,    and by his wounds we are healed.6 We all, like sheep, have gone astray,    each of us has turned to our own way;and the Lord has laid on him    the iniquity of us all.7 He was oppressed and afflicted,    yet he did not open his mouth;he was led like a lamb to the slaughter,    and as a sheep before its shearers is silent,    so he did not open his mouth.8 By oppression and judgment he was taken away.    Yet who of his generation protested? For he was cut off from the land of the living;    for the transgression of my people he was punished.9 He was assigned a grave with the wicked,    and with the rich in his death,though he had done no violence,    nor was any deceit in his mouth.10 Yet it was the Lord's will to crush him and cause him to suffer,    and though the Lord makes his life an offering for sin,he will see his offspring and prolong his days,    and the will of the Lord will prosper in his hand.11 After he has suffered,    he will see the light of life and be satisfied;by his knowledge my righteous servant will justify many,    and he will bear their iniquities.12 Therefore I will give him a portion among the great,    and he will divide the spoils with the strong,because he poured out his life unto death,    and was numbered with the transgressors.For he bore the sin of many,    and made intercession for the transgressors. Mark 15:1-1515 Very early in the morning, the chief priests, with the elders, the teachers of the law and the whole Sanhedrin, made their plans. So they bound Jesus, led him away and handed him over to Pilate.2 “Are you the king of the Jews?” asked Pilate.“You have said so,” Jesus replied.3 The chief priests accused him of many things. 4 So again Pilate asked him, “Aren't you going to answer? See how many things they are accusing you of.”5 But Jesus still made no reply, and Pilate was amazed.6 Now it was the custom at the festival to release a prisoner whom the people requested. 7 A man called Barabbas was in prison with the insurrectionists who had committed murder in the uprising. 8 The crowd came up and asked Pilate to do for them what he usually did.9 “Do you want me to release to you the king of the Jews?” asked Pilate, 10 knowing it was out of self-interest that the chief priests had handed Jesus over to him. 11 But the chief priests stirred up the crowd to have Pilate release Barabbas instead.12 “What shall I do, then, with the one you call the king of the Jews?” Pilate asked them.13 “Crucify him!” they shouted.14 “Why? What crime has he committed?” asked Pilate.But they shouted all the louder, “Crucify him!”15 Wanting to satisfy the crowd, Pilate released Barabbas to them. He had Jesus flogged, and handed him over to be crucified.

In this episode of the Divine Council Worldview podcast, Ronn & Mike delve into John 18, exploring the final hours of Jesus' life. They discuss the transition from the high priestly prayer in John 17 to the events leading to Jesus' arrest, the significance of Judas' betrayal, and the metaphorical meaning of the 'cup' that Jesus refers to. The conversation emphasizes Jesus' humanity and the emotional weight of his impending suffering, while also touching on theological interpretations of these events. They also delve into the themes of suffering, endurance, and the trials faced by Jesus and his disciples. It explores the significance of Jesus' suffering and how it relates to the suffering of believers. The discussion also covers the trials of Jesus, the role of Peter in denying Jesus, and the interactions between Jesus and Pontius Pilate, culminating in the choice of Barabbas over Jesus. Finally, they emphasize the deeper meanings behind these events and their implications for faith and loyalty.

The weekly Sunday morning sermon delivered by Rev. James WilesMark 15:1-15“And as soon as it was morning, the chief priests held a consultation with the elders and scribes and the whole council. And they bound Jesus and led him away and delivered him over to Pilate. And Pilate asked him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” And he answered him, “You have said so.” And the chief priests accused him of many things. And Pilate again asked him, “Have you no answer to make? See how many charges they bring against you.” But Jesus made no further answer, so that Pilate was amazed. Now at the feast he used to release for them one prisoner for whom they asked. And among the rebels in prison, who had committed murder in the insurrection, there was a man called Barabbas. And the crowd came up and began to ask Pilate to do as he usually did for them. And he answered them, saying, “Do you want me to release for you the King of the Jews?” For he perceived that it was out of envy that the chief priests had delivered him up. But the chief priests stirred up the crowd to have him release for them Barabbas instead. And Pilate again said to them, “Then what shall I do with the man you call the King of the Jews?” And they cried out again, “Crucify him.” And Pilate said to them, “Why? What evil has he done?” But they shouted all the more, “Crucify him.” So Pilate, wishing to satisfy the crowd, released for them Barabbas, and having scourged Jesus, he delivered him to be crucified.”1. The King is rejected by the priests.2. The King is rejected by Pilate.3. The King is rejected by the people.www.huntsmbc.com

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Have you ever looked at the church and thought, "It's just full of hypocrites"? Maybe you've used that exact excuse to stay away from God. But what if the greatest act of hypocrisy in human history didn't happen in a modern church building, but on a Friday morning outside a Roman governor's headquarters? In this message, we dive into John 18:28-40 to witness the ultimate mockery of justice: the trial of Jesus Christ before Pontius Pilate. Here, the religious leaders were so worried about keeping up outward appearances—making sure they didn't step inside a Gentile house lest they be "defiled"—while they were literally handing over the perfect Passover Lamb to be murdered. We see ourselves in this story more than we'd care to admit. We see the waffling, political expediency of Pilate, who took the easy way out just to get to lunch quicker. And we see the crowd choosing Barabbas—a murderer and a rebel—over the King of Kings. Here is the scandalous truth of the Gospel: In many ways, we are Barabbas. We are the rebels. We are the ones who choose things that bring death and destruction over the things that bring life. But thank God that He died for rebellious people just like us. Otherwise, we wouldn't stand a chance. “Jesus answered, ‘My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would fight, so that I wouldn't be handed over to the Jews. But as it is, my kingdom is not from here.'” (John 18:36) Are you justifying your rebellion with religious activity? Are you counting your "dill seeds" while missing the weightier matters of the law, like loving your neighbor and walking in humility? Are you standing for truth, or just doing what is politically expedient? When faced with Christ, are you taking the easy way out like Pilate, or are you listening to His voice? What are you choosing today—life or death? Are you holding onto earthly things, bad relationships, or addictions that bring destruction, while shouting down the only One who can give you eternal life? "You never see a hearse pulling a U-Haul—we can't take this stuff with us. The things that matter are the things that last for eternity: loving your neighbor well, caring for the hurting, and laying down your life by His grace." #Christianity #GospelOfJohn #ExpositoryPreaching #JesusTrial #PontiusPilate #GraceAndMercy #Faith Alone

This lesson begins in Mark 15:1. Dr. Mitchell reviews the first 14 verses. Here Jesus is before the civil court of Pilate who asked the Jewish leaders, What evil has He done? Then we continue in verse 15. Here Pilate wanted to please the crowd so he released a murder, Barabbas, and delivered Jesus to be crucified. What follows is the scene when the soldiers mocked Jesus and beat Him with a reed and unnecessarily slapped His face repeatedly. Dr. Mitchell brings out several O.T. scriptures fulfilled by our Lord's crucifixion, Ps.22 and Isa.53 and Psalm 69. While on the way to Golgotha, the soldier commandeered a man to help carry Jesus' cross, Simon of Cyrene. Our Lord, on the cross, refused to drink the wine mixed with myrrh, a drug used to deaden the pain. Here is Dr. Mitchell Mark 15:1 on the Unchanging Word Bible Broadcast.

Send us Fan MailThe moment you assume grace must be “fair,” Romans 9 starts sounding offensive. We slow down and read Paul's potter and clay argument the way it's written: one lump of humanity, no special quality in the clay, and a God whose mercy is free because it isn't owed. That leads straight into the toughest questions Christians ask about election, reprobation, and whether God is unjust.We also unpack predestination without turning it into a cold math problem. The key move is foreknowledge: not bare awareness of future facts, but God's forelove for his people. From that angle, predestination belongs to the beloved in Christ, and “double predestination” collapses under Paul's own distinction between those “fitted for destruction” and those “prepared beforehand for glory.” Along the way we bring it down to earth with a debt-forgiveness analogy that exposes why forgiving some does not create an obligation to forgive all.Then we zoom out to the story of salvation itself. Jesus is not Plan B, the crucifixion reveals real human blindness, and the Barabbas scene shows how pardon can be real even when the guilty go free and the innocent is condemned. If you've wrestled with God's sovereignty, grace, mercy, justice, and what it means to be “condemned already” apart from Christ, this conversation is for you. Subscribe, share this with a friend who loves theology, and leave a review with the question you're still wrestling with.Support the showBE PROVOKED AND BE PERSUADED!

JOHN 18:28-40 - JESUS'S KINGDOM - BRIAN SUMNER - 2025JOHN 18:28-40 "Then they led Jesus from Caiaphas to the Praetorium, and it was early morning. But they themselves did not go into the Praetorium, lest they should be defiled, but that they might eat the Passover. 29 Pilate then went out to them and said, “What accusation do you bring against this Man?”30 They answered and said to him, “If He were not an evildoer, we would not have delivered Him up to you.”31 Then Pilate said to them, “You take Him and judge Him according to your law.”Therefore the Jews said to him, “It is not lawful for us to put anyone to death,” 32 that the saying of Jesus might be fulfilled which He spoke, signifying by what death He would die.33 Then Pilate entered the Praetorium again, called Jesus, and said to Him, “Are You the King of the Jews?”34 Jesus answered him, “Are you speaking for yourself about this, or did others tell you this concerning Me?”35 Pilate answered, “Am I a Jew? Your own nation and the chief priests have delivered You to me. What have You done?”36 Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, My servants would fight, so that I should not be delivered to the Jews; but now My kingdom is not from here.”37 Pilate therefore said to Him, “Are You a king then?”Jesus answered, “You say rightly that I am a king. For this cause I was born, and for this cause I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice.”38 Pilate said to Him, “What is truth?” And when he had said this, he went out again to the Jews, and said to them, “I find no fault in Him at all.Taking the Place of Barabbas39 “But you have a custom that I should release someone to you at the Passover. Do you therefore want me to release to you the King of the Jews?”40 Then they all cried again, saying, “Not this Man, but Barabbas!” Now Barabbas was a robber."To support this channel and partner with Brian in Ministryhttps://www.briansumner.net/support/For more on Brianhttp://www.briansumner.nethttps://www.instagram.com/BRIANSUMNER/https://www.facebook.com/BRIANSUMNEROFFICIALTo listen to Brians Podcast, click below.https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...Purchase Brians Marriage book at https://www.amazon.com/Never-Fails-Da...Brian is a full time "Urban Missionary" both locally and internationally with a focus on MISSIONS - MARRIAGES - MINISTRY. Since coming to faith in 2004 doors continued opening locally and internationally to do more and more ministry with a focus on Evangelism, Outreach Missions, Marriage, Counsel, Schools, Festivals, Conferences and the like.  Everything about this ministry is made possible because of people personally partnering through the non profit. God Bless and thank you. †Support the showSUPPORT THE SHOW

Pilate tries Jesus and attempts to release Him, but the crowd asks for Barabbas. Pilate delivers Jesus to be scourged and crucified. Roman soldiers mock Him.Join Pastor Daryl as he journeys through the entire Bible.Visit the radio station website.Subscribe to our YouTube channel.Subscribe to Pastor Daryl's daily devotional and listening plan.If you enjoy Simply the Bible, please give us a rating and leave a review wherever you listen to podcasts. That helps us a lot!Calvary Chapel Treasure Valley now meets Sunday mornings in a tent on our church property at 3853 E Lake Hazel Road in Meridian. For service times, online messages, and info on small groups meeting throughout the week, please visit our website at calvarytv.org.

Sermon by Pastor Jerry Jackson**Make sure you check out our church website: https://www.tcpottershouse.comLook us up on social media:Linktree: https://linktr.ee/thepottershousetcFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThePottersHouseTC/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thepottershousetc/

This Sunday we return to our study of the Gospel of Mark, picking up in chapter 15. Chapter 15 begins after the events of the Last Supper, the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus' arrest, and the nighttime trial before the religious leaders, who pronounce Jesus guilty of blasphemy and worthy of death. Having just celebrated Easter, we now turn our eyes to the dark yet glorious events of Good Friday, when the true King of the Jews willingly gives His life as a ransom for many. Though Mark has not referred to Jesus as "King" in his gospel before, in chapter 15 Jesus is mockingly called “King” six times. To the political and religious world, He looks nothing like a powerful ruler. He is beaten, silent, condemned, and humiliated, yet Jesus stands in perfect obedience to the Father's will—not as a helpless victim, but as the sovereign King who chooses to endure suffering and condemnation in His people's place. As Jesus said in Mark 10:45, He came not to be served but to serve and give His life as a ransom. Jesus' mission is perfectly pictured in Sunday's passage. Jesus could have defended Himself before Pilate and been released, but He chose not to. Though innocent, Jesus was condemned, and Barabbas, a rightly convicted criminal, was allowed to go free. Jesus willingly stood silent, condemned, and humiliated in our place so that guilty rebels like us could be set free. On Sunday, we will see God's love for sinners in the person and work of Jesus. I. The King Who Stood Silent For You (v. 1-5) II. The King Who Stood Condemned For You (v. 6-15) III. The King Who Stood Humiliated For You (v. 16-20)

Forgotten Stories | Barabbas, The Guilty Go Free with Pastor Josef Massanari April 12, 2026 Visit us online https://www.cornerstonelv.com https://www.facebook.com/lvcornerstone  https://www.instagram.com/cornerstone_lv/

After the resurrection, the disciples moved from fear to bold faith—but one question remains: will we respond like Barabbas or like Thomas? This sermon explores the call of Easter to move beyond doubt into belief, and beyond belief into mission. As those who have not seen and yet believe, we are invited to follow Jesus with lives of faith, obedience, and joyful service in the world.

This powerful Easter message takes us deep into the heart of substitutionary atonement through the gripping story of Barabbas. We discover that standing before Pilate were two men—Jesus, the Son of the Father, and Barabbas, whose name literally means 'son of the father.' Both identical in their title, yet worlds apart in their guilt. The guilty murderer walks free while the innocent one takes his punishment. This isn't just ancient history—it's our story. We are Barabbas. Every single one of us has sinned and fallen short, yet Jesus willingly took our place on that brutal cross. The message challenges our tendency to always see ourselves as the hero in every story, when the truth is we're the ones who needed rescuing. What makes this exchange so remarkable is its complete one-sidedness—we bring our guilt, shame, and sin, and Jesus offers us His righteousness, freedom, and eternal life. The empty tomb confirms that the payment was accepted, the debt cleared, and death defeated. This Easter, we're confronted with the same choice the crowd faced: will we receive what Jesus has done for us, or will we continue trying to carry our own guilt and fix our own lives?Subscribe https://www.youtube.com/@CelebrateChurchCelebrate Church is led by Pastor Noah Rollins. Our vision is for people to MEET JESUS so they can go out and BE JESUS.Stay Connected!Visit us at 1000 South Sycamore Avenue in Sioux Falls, SD.Website: https://www.celebrate.church/Celebrate Church Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CelebrateSF/Celebrate Church Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/celebrate.church

In the heart of history stands a man who, at first glance, appeared ordinary—born of a young innocent woman named Mary.Yet through the testimony of many, He was known as a healer, a worker of miracles, and a teacher whose presence and thought inspired absolute awe.The greatest voice of the Old Testament declared Him to be the Lamb of God.Yet others rejected Him.And then came the moment.In one of those most striking scenes in history, two men stood before the crowd.Both of them were the accused.Both were named Jesus.One was a known insurrectionist and murderer— Jesus, named Barabbas.The other was the Lamb of God… The Bar AbbaAnd the choice was made.“Release Barabbas… and crucify Jesus.” The crowd hollered.The guilty one walked free butthe innocent One was led to die on The Cross.The King was crucified in the place of the criminal.The King died, and was buried in a borrowed tomb.A stone was rolled over the tomb.The Roman seal was set upon it.The Roman guards were put in place.As far as the world could see, it was all over for the dream.But early on Sunday morning, the stone had already been rolled away.The tomb was now empty.And the King was no longer there. “He is risen! He is risen!” became the most popular statement in town.The question is—what does this mean?Not just for history.But what does this mean for you.

This message is built around a question most people don't slow down long enough to answer honestly: do I actually follow Jesus, or have I just been around Him? We walk through some of Jesus' own words that are easy to hear but hard to sit with, especially when He talks about the narrow path, what it really means to call Him Lord, and the difference between doing things for God and actually knowing Him. This message isn't about being better or trying harder. It's about understanding what Jesus already did, and deciding what you're going to do with Him. There's a moment in the message where the crowd chooses Barabbas over Jesus, and it forces the same question we all have to answer in our own lives. What will I do with Jesus? Not in theory, but for real. Wherever you're at with God, whether you've followed Him for years, you're unsure, or you've been keeping Him at a distance, this is an honest look at what Easter actually confronts in all of us. Did you accept Christ today? Fill out our digital connection card: https://churchontherock.net/connect-card  

This is Easter Sunday…this is Resurrection Day! This is a time of renewal and regeneration of hope and expectation, of taking our brokenness and having it completely transformed. This is the time when Barabbas walks free, recognizing that the price was paid for him. Do we recognize that the price has been paid for us? […] The post Simply Jesus appeared first on Rockpointe Community Church.

Easter 2026. Barabbas and the Thief on the Cross

On Good Friday, Jesus was brought before Pontius Pilate early in the morning, declared innocent, yet condemned to death after the crowd chose Barabbas over Him; He was mocked, beaten, and led to crucifixion at Golgotha, where He was nailed to the cross around 9 AM, prayed for forgiveness for His executioners, endured mocking, and showed compassion by promising salvation to a repentant criminal and entrusting His mother to His disciple John. From noon to 3 PM, darkness covered the land as Jesus bore the weight of sin, cried out to the Father, and ultimately declared "It is finished" before giving up His spirit. At His death, an earthquake occurred, the temple veil was torn, and even Roman soldiers recognized His innocence. His body was then taken down, confirmed dead, and placed in a tomb by Joseph of Arimathea before the Sabbath began, marking the completion of the events of that day. __________ John 18:28–37 NLT, Luke 23:6–12 NLT, Luke 23:13–19 NLT, Matthew 27:15–23 NLT, John 19:1–13 NLT, Matthew 27:24–25 NLT, John 19:13–16 NLT, Luke 23:26–29,31 NLT, John 19:17–22 NLT, Mark 15:23 NLT, Luke 23:34a NLT, John 19:19–22 NLT, John 19:23–24 NLT, Matthew 27:39–40 NLT, Mark 15:31 NLT, Luke 23:36–37,39 NLT, Luke 23:40–43 NLT, John 19:25–27 NLT, Mark 15:33 NLT, Matthew 27:46–47,49 NLT, John 19:28–29 NLT, John 19:30a NLT, Luke 23:46 NLT, John 19:30b NLT, Matthew 27:50–53 NLT, Matthew 27:54 NLT, Luke 23:47–48 NLT, John 19:31–33 NLT, John 19:34–37 NLT, Mark 15:42–47 NLT, Mark 15:46 NLT, Matthew 27:59–60 NLT, John 19:39–42 NLT, Mark 15:47 NLT, Luke 23:55–56 NLT __________ Partner with Us: https://churchforentrepreneurs.com/partner Connect with Us: https://churchforentrepreneurs.com Leave a Comment: https://churchforentrepreneurs.com/comments __________      

Twenty-three marks on the wall of his four-by-four prison cell told the story. It had just been three weeks since the soldiers captured him - the number one name on the Most Wanted List - at a local bar and they hauled him into this cell. The charges were robbery, treason, and murder. Day 23 was going to be just another day there, or so he thought until he heard the growing sounds of that angry mob outside the window above him. He managed to grab the bars on the window and pull himself up high enough to hear what the crowd was screaming. It was a combination of shock and fear that swept over him when he heard they were shouting his name! "Give us Ba-rabbas! Give us Ba-rabbas!" Then the chant gradually began to change. Now they were shouting with this bloodthirsty anger, "Cru-ci-fy him! Cru-ci-fy him!" Barabbas slumped to the floor. He couldn't believe it. He'd been their hero, but now they were calling for his execution by the most brutal means of execution ever devised - death on a cross. Within minutes, five soldiers were dragging him, kicking and screaming down the corridor, up the stone steps, and to another door. They flung the door open, pushed him through it, and slammed the door behind him. It took a little while for him to realize where he was. He was out on the cobblestone street of Jerusalem. He was free! Before reality could fully dawn on Barabbas, the door behind him opened again. He literally had to roll out of the way to keep from being trampled by this angry crowd pushing their way through with a bare-backed, bleeding man in the middle of them. As Barabbas plastered himself against the wall of that narrow street, he could see that man's back had been so brutally beaten it was like one gaping wound, exposing tissue and bone everywhere. Barabbas' first instinct was to run while he could, but he didn't. He followed that crowd all the way up to that skull-shaped hill just outside the city, where from a distance, he heard the hammer and the spikes that the heartless executioners of Rome were driving into that man's hands and feet. It turned dark as night in the middle of the day and the skies opened up with a deluge of rain. Curious spectators just began to drift away. Finally, Barabbas felt safe enough to walk slowly to the top of Skull Hill, with his head covered. It was as if there was a magnet pulling him toward the man hanging on that middle cross between two other dying criminals. Barabbas had heard the man say from that cross, "Father, forgive them." He'd heard many things at crucifixions. He'd heard cursing, and screaming, and threatening, but never "forgive." He now could recognize the face that was beaten almost beyond recognition. It was Jesus - the man who had done no wrong, whose only crime was to love those that no one else cared about. And in that moment Barabbas found himself looking up into the eyes of that man on the middle cross and saying aloud, "Jesus, you don't deserve to be there, I do. But because You're dying there, I don't have to die." I could walk up to the cross where Jesus died and say that, and so could you. I'm Ron Hutchcraft and I want to have A Word With You on this Good Friday about "When Good Friday Gets Personal." I don't know if Barabbas ever really made it to the cross, but I do know that getting to that cross to have your sins forgiven is your only hope of heaven. Our word for today from the Word of God is in Galatians 2:20, and it simply says, "The Son of God...loved me and gave Himself for me." If you've never been to Jesus' cross and said those words, "For me. You're dying for me," this could be your personal Jesus-day. When you tell Him you are His, when every wrong thing you've ever done will be erased from God's book, because the blood shed on that cross was shed to pay for it. And when you trade hell for heaven this very day, would you tell Him, "Jesus, you're dying for what I've done. And today I am yours." And then, would you make a trip to our website? It's ANewStory.com. I want to help you today be sure you've crossed over from death to life. Good Friday - Jesus died for your sin today so you don't have to.

April 3, 2026 Write your description her Twenty-three marks on the wall of his four-by-four prison cell told the story. It had just been three weeks since the soldiers captured him - the number one name on the Most Wanted List - at a local bar and they hauled him into this cell. The charges were robbery, treason, and murder. Day 23 was going to be just another day there, or so he thought until he heard the growing sounds of that angry mob outside the window above him. He managed to grab the bars on the window and pull himself up high enough to hear what the crowd was screaming. It was a combination of shock and fear that swept over him when he heard they were shouting his name! "Give us Ba-rabbas! Give us Ba-rabbas!" Then the chant gradually began to change. Now they were shouting with this bloodthirsty anger, "Cru-ci-fy him! Cru-ci-fy him!" Barabbas slumped to the floor. He couldn't believe it. He'd been their hero, but now they were calling for his execution by the most brutal means of execution ever devised - death on a cross. Within minutes, five soldiers were dragging him, kicking and screaming down the corridor, up the stone steps, and to another door. They flung the door open, pushed him through it, and slammed the door behind him. It took a little while for him to realize where he was. He was out on the cobblestone street of Jerusalem. He was free! Before reality could fully dawn on Barabbas, the door behind him opened again. He literally had to roll out of the way to keep from being trampled by this angry crowd pushing their way through with a bare-backed, bleeding man in the middle of them. As Barabbas plastered himself against the wall of that narrow street, he could see that man's back had been so brutally beaten it was like one gaping wound, exposing tissue and bone everywhere. Barabbas' first instinct was to run while he could, but he didn't. He followed that crowd all the way up to that skull-shaped hill just outside the city, where from a distance, he heard the hammer and the spikes that the heartless executioners of Rome were driving into that man's hands and feet. It turned dark as night in the middle of the day and the skies opened up with a deluge of rain. Curious spectators just began to drift away. Finally, Barabbas felt safe enough to walk slowly to the top of Skull Hill, with his head covered. It was as if there was a magnet pulling him toward the man hanging on that middle cross between two other dying criminals. Barabbas had heard the man say from that cross, "Father, forgive them." He'd heard many things at crucifixions. He'd heard cursing, and screaming, and threatening, but never "forgive." He now could recognize the face that was beaten almost beyond recognition. It was Jesus - the man who had done no wrong, whose only crime was to love those that no one else cared about. And in that moment Barabbas found himself looking up into the eyes of that man on the middle cross and saying aloud, "Jesus, you don't deserve to be there, I do. But because You're dying there, I don't have to die." I could walk up to the cross where Jesus died and say that, and so could you. I'm Ron Hutchcraft and I want to have A Word With You on this Good Friday about "When Good Friday Gets Personal." I don't know if Barabbas ever really made it to the cross, but I do know that getting to that cross to have your sins forgiven is your only hope of heaven. Our word for today from the Word of God is in Galatians 2:20, and it simply says, "The Son of God...loved me and gave Himself for me." If you've never been to Jesus' cross and said those words, "For me. You're dying for me," this could be your personal Jesus-day. When you tell Him you are His, when every wrong thing you've ever done will be erased from God's book, because the blood shed on that cross was shed to pay for it. And when you trade hell for heaven this very day, would you tell Him, "Jesus, you're dying for what I've done. And today I am yours." And then, would you make a trip to our website? It's ANewStory.com. I want to help you today be sure you've crossed over from death to life. Good Friday - Jesus died for your sin today so you don't have to.

Send us Fan MailAre we missing the real story of Easter? Shroud of Turin book: https://amzn.to/4dYkfe0 In this deep dive from episode 263, the DANGEROUS INFO PODCAST strips away the rabbits, carrots, and pastel eggs to uncover the raw, supernatural history of Holy Week. We explore the profound events surrounding the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus, from the flipping of the tables to the moment the earth shook and the dead walked the streets of Jerusalem.In this audio, we discuss:The Commercialization Trap: How nostalgia and "cute" traditions can become a stumbling block to the truth.Prophecy Fulfilled: The significance of Palm Sunday, the donkey, and the omniscience of Christ.The Barabbas Choice: A look at the crowd's decision and why, in many ways, we are all Barabbas.Supernatural Evidence: The tearing of the temple veil, the darkness at noon, and the Roman Centurions who went from mocking to declaring, "Surely this was the Son of God."00:00:00 - Introduction: Commercialized Easter vs. The Real Story00:01:21 - Holy Week Alignment: Comparing Current Dates to Original Events00:02:14 - Flipping the Tables: Jesus' Actions in the Temple00:02:40 - Palm Sunday & Prophecy: The Significance of the Donkey00:03:51 - Healing the Sick & The Pharisees' Reaction00:04:24 - Pontius Pilate & The Trial of Jesus00:05:02 - The Choice of Barabbas: Why "We Are All Barabbas"00:06:23 - Mockery on the Cross & The Thirst for Truth00:07:07 - The Supernatural Events: Darkness, Earthquake, and the Torn Veil00:08:15 - The Dead Walk: The Shocking Resurrection of Holy People00:08:51 - The Centurions' Revelation: "Surely This Was the Son of God"00:09:42 - Modern Relevance: Seeing the "Red Pills" in Today's World00:10:50 - Preparing for the "Pregame": Facing Future Choices with Faith00:13:24 - The Aftermath: Spreading the Gospel Beyond the Biblical Text00:14:24 - The 40 Martyrs of Sebaste: A Story of AbsoluSupport the show using Buy Me A Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/dangerousinfopodcast SMART is the acronym that was created by technocrats that have setup the "internet of things" that will eventually enslave humanity to their needs. Support the showLeave Voicemail: https://www.speakpipe.com/DangerousInfoWebsite https://www.dangerousinfopodcast.com/Discord chatroom: https://discord.gg/8feGHQQmwgEmail the show dangerousinfopodcast@protonmail.comJoin mailing list http://bit.ly/3Kku5YtGrubTerra Pet Treats https://bit.ly/436YLVZWatch LiveYouTube https://www.youtube.com/@DANGEROUSINFOPODCASTRumble https://bit.ly/4q1Mg7Z Twitch https://www.twitch.tv/dangerousinfopodcastPilled.net https://pilled.net/profile/144176BitChute: https://www.bitchute.com/channel/egnticQyZgxDInstagram https://www.instagram.com/dangerousinfo/TwitterX https://twitter.com/jaymz_jesseYouTube https://bit.ly/436VExnFacebook https://bit.ly/4gZbjVaSend stuff: Jesse Jaymz, PO Box 541, Clarkston, MI 48347

This episode is going to be a little different. No background music. No closing summary and calls to action. Why? Because we're grappling with the question, “Why did Jesus have to die?” in this conversation. Dr. Chris Croghan and Lars Olson do an incredible job calling out how everyone involved in Christ's final moments sinned against Him. From the betrayal to the power dynamics to the self-preservation, every single person called for Jesus to be crucified. Why did Jesus have to die? Because everyone demanded it. Including you. God repeatedly tells us His name is mercy. We don't believe Him. The only way you'll believe it is if His blood is on your hands. John 18:1–19:42: 3 So Judas brought a detachment of soldiers together with police from the chief priests and the Pharisees, and they came there with lanterns and torches and weapons. 4 Then Jesus, knowing all that was to happen to him, came forward and asked them, “Whom are you looking for?” 5 They answered, “Jesus of Nazareth.” Jesus replied, “I am he.” Judas, who betrayed him, was standing with them. 6 When Jesus said to them, “I am he,” they stepped back and fell to the ground. 7 Again he asked them, “Whom are you looking for?” And they said, “Jesus of Nazareth.” 8 Jesus answered, “I told you that I am he. So if you are looking for me, let these men go.” 9 This was to fulfill the word that he had spoken, “I did not lose a single one of those whom you gave me.” 28 Then they took Jesus from Caiaphas to Pilate's headquarters. It was early in the morning. They themselves did not enter the headquarters, so as to avoid ritual defilement and to be able to eat the Passover. 29 So Pilate went out to them and said, “What accusation do you bring against this man?” 30 They answered, “If this man were not a criminal, we would not have handed him over to you.” 31 Pilate said to them, “Take him yourselves and judge him according to your law.” The Jews replied, “We are not permitted to put anyone to death.” 35 Pilate replied, “I am not a Jew, am I? Your own nation and the chief priests have handed you over to me. What have you done?” 36 Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not from this world. If my kingdom were from this world, my followers would be fighting to keep me from being handed over to the Jews. But as it is, my kingdom is not from here.” 37 Pilate asked him, “So you are a king?” Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. For this I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice.” 38 Pilate asked him, “What is truth?” 9 But you have a custom that I release someone for you at the Passover. Do you want me to release for you the King of the Jews?” 40 They shouted in reply, “Not this man, but Barabbas!” Now Barabbas was a bandit. 10 Pilate therefore said to him, “Do you refuse to speak to me? Do you not know that I have power to release you, and power to crucify you?” 11 Jesus answered him, “You would have no power over me unless it had been given you from above; therefore the one who handed me over to you is guilty of a greater sin.” 12 From then on Pilate tried to release him, but the Jews cried out, “If you release this man, you are no friend of the emperor. Everyone who claims to be a king sets himself against the emperor.” 15 They cried out, “Away with him! Away with him! Crucify him!” Pilate asked them, “Shall I crucify your King?” The chief priests answered, “We have no king but the emperor.” 16 Then he handed him over to them to be crucified. Support the showInterested in sponsoring an episode of Scripture First?Email Sarah at sarah@lhos.org or visit our donation page: lutherhouseofstudy.org/donate

None are available at this time.

Listen to Ashe Simpson preach on Good Friday from Matthew 27:15-26, reflecting on the story of Barabbas and how Pilate, the crowd, and God played a part in the arrest of Jesus.

Send us Fan MailJohn 18 records the arrest of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane. When Jesus says, “I am he,” the soldiers draw back and fall to the ground, yet He willingly allows Himself to be taken. Jesus protects His disciples and is brought before the authorities, where He is questioned and found without guilt. Peter denies Him, and the crowd chooses Barabbas instead of Jesus. These events show that Jesus was innocent and that His arrest and suffering took place according to God's plan.Support the showStay engaged with new and up-to-date content, including newsletters, articles, podcasts, etc. Download the Teach Me the Bible App from any app store or Apple TV/Roku device.

Date: Wednesday, April 1, 2026 Title: Through the Free Eyes of Barabbas Scripture: Matthew 27:15-26 Sermon by: Tommy Overton Sermon Series: Holy Week 2026: Through the Eyes of...

Pastor Omar Edwards will take us Beyond his Notes from the last sermon on Sunday. Palm Sunday   Presented by McGregor Podcast 2026 Visit Our Website at McGregorPodcast.com

At Passover, a guilty man walks free while the innocent Son of God is condemned in his place. In Mark 15:6–20, we see the crowd reject truth, choose a rebel, and unknowingly display the heart of the gospel—the great exchange. This week, Pastor Korey shows how Barabbas' story is our story, and how Jesus willingly bore the curse so the guilty could go free.

Send us Fan MailSEVEN DAYS THAT CHANGED THE WORLDTHE DAY THE TEMPLE SHOOK | PART 6Senior Pastor Keith StewartMarch 29, 2026 This weekend at Springcreek Church, we're looking at one of the most powerful moments in history—when the earth shook and the temple curtain tore in two. What if the cross you've always heard about is more than a symbol… What if it's an invitation? An invitation not to try harder, but to stop striving. Not to earn your way to God, but to discover that the way has already been opened. If you've ever wondered whether you're enough—or if you've been carrying a weight you were never meant to carry—this message is for you. Join us in person or online for “The Day the Temple Shook.”Opening / Icebreaker When you hear the phrase “It is finished,” what does that mean to you personally? Have you ever felt like you had to “earn” someone's approval or acceptance? What was that like? Observation (What does the text say?) In 1 Corinthians 1:23, why does Paul say the cross is a “stumbling block” and “foolishness”? What specifically made it offensive in Jesus' day?Looking at the people surrounding the cross (Barabbas, Simon of Cyrene, the Centurion, the women, Joseph of Arimathea), what stands out to you about who is included in the story? According to Matthew 27:51, what happened at the moment Jesus died, and why is the order (veil torn before the earthquake) significant? Interpretation (What does it mean?) Why is the true suffering of the cross deeper than just the physical suffering Jesus endured? What does “tetelestai” (“It is finished” / “Paid in full”) reveal about how salvation works? What messages are communicated by the tearing of the temple veil? (Think: what ended and what began.) Which person at the cross do you most identify with right now—and why? Application (What does it mean for me?) In what ways do people today still try to “earn this” with God? Where do you see that in your own life? The message described living with a sense of “not enough.” Where does that show up in your thinking or behavior?What would it look like for you to start “living like the truth is true”—that Christ's work is enough? Is there an area of your life where you still feel like there's a barrier between you and God? What is it? Response (What will I do about it?) The torn veil represents open access to God. What is one practical way you can step into that access this week? What burden do you need to lay down because of the cross? How would your daily life change if you truly believed you are fully loved, forgiven, and accepted in Christ? Closing Prayer Prompt Thank God for what Christ has finished on your behalf. Confess any ways you've been trying to “earn” what has already been given. Ask God to help you live in the freedom and access He has opened through the cross.

In this episode of More Faith More Life, Pastor Steve Gray exposes what he calls the “Therapy Gospel” and challenges the modern church's shift toward comfort, self-focus, and emotional management. He contrasts this with the true gospel of the Kingdom, where guilty people are set free and transformed by the power of God. If you've felt stuck in your faith, this message will realign your understanding of what the gospel really is.Key Takeaways:Therapy Gospel vs. Kingdom Gospel: The episode critiques modern churches for adopting a therapy-focused gospel, which emphasizes self-analysis over true spiritual transformation.Gospel is about Liberation, Not Just Comfort: Steve emphasizes that the Christian gospel should be about confronting sin and attaining freedom through Christ rather than just soothing one's conscience.Role of Conviction in Faith: Traditional Christian teachings aim to convict and lead believers to redemption, not merely comfort and encouragement.Analogy of Barabbas: The biblical story of Barabbas is used to illustrate the concept of guilty people being set free, symbolizing the true essence of the gospel.Impact on Church Culture: The conversation stresses the importance of re-evaluating church messages to prioritize kingdom-building over self-centered teachings.Looking for more? Join our More Faith More Life community: https://morefaithmorelife.com

Matthew - The King has Come "I, Barabbas" (Mark 15:6-15) In this episode of the McGregor Podcast, Pastor Omar Edwards unpacks Mark 15:6-15, exploring the striking exchange where Barabbas — a guilty man — goes free while Jesus, the innocent Son of God, is condemned to die. Discover what this moment reveals about the heart of the gospel: substitution, grace, and the radical love of Christ. Pastor Omar challenges listeners to see themselves in Barabbas and to receive the freedom that only Jesus can give. Tune in for a powerful message of hope, surrender, and the life-changing truth of the cross. Sermon Notes March 29, 2026 Omar Edwards • Pastor Presented by McGregor Podcast 2026 Visit Our Website at McGregorPodcast.com

This sermon walks through Mark 14–15 and brings us face to face with the reality of what Jesus endured leading up to the cross. In the garden of Gethsemane, we see a deeply human moment—Jesus is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. But what weighs on Him most is not the physical pain to come, but the spiritual reality of bearing the sin of the world and experiencing separation from the Father. Even in that anguish, He surrenders His will: “Not what I will, but what You will.” From there, the betrayal unfolds—not through violence, but through intimacy. Judas identifies Jesus with a kiss, revealing that the deepest wounds often come from those closest to us. In that same moment, everyone else flees. Jesus stands completely alone in His suffering. As He is put on trial, false accusations are thrown at Him, yet He remains silent. He does not defend Himself, because He is not trying to preserve His life—He is fulfilling His mission. When asked if He is the Messiah, Jesus responds clearly: “I am,” declaring His divine identity even though it seals His fate. The injustice continues as Jesus is handed over to Pilate. In one of the clearest pictures of the gospel, Barabbas—a guilty man—goes free, while Jesus—the innocent one—is condemned. This is not just Barabbas' story; it is ours. The guilty are released because the spotless takes their place. Jesus is then mocked by soldiers who dress Him as a fake king—placing a purple robe on Him, a crown of thorns on His head, and sarcastically praising Him. Ironically, everything they mock is actually true. He is the King. At the cross, the charge above Him reads “King of the Jews,” intended as accusation but functioning as a declaration. And when Jesus breathes His last, something cosmic happens—the temple curtain is torn from top to bottom. The barrier between God and humanity is removed, not by human effort, but by divine action. Access to God is now open. Standing there is a Roman centurion—an outsider—who sees what others cannot and declares, “Surely this man was the Son of God.” While others miss it, he recognizes that something profound has taken place. The full weight of what happened isn't yet understood in the moment… but everything has changed. The separation is gone. The way to God is open. And the implications of the cross will continue to unfold.

We the people are screaming crucify Him! Jada Yoder closed out our sermon series with a convicting message — one where we must reflect and see where in our life we have chosen Barabbas in the face of Jesus.

We the people are screaming crucify Him! Jada Yoder closed out our sermon series with a convicting message — one where we must reflect and see where in our life we have chosen Barabbas in the face of Jesus.

The Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ According to Matthew   When morning came, all the chief priests and the elders of the people conferred together against Jesus in order to bring about his death. They bound him, led him away, and handed him over to Pilate the governor. When Judas, his betrayer, saw that Jesus was condemned, he repented and brought back the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and the elders. He said, “I have sinned by betraying innocent blood.” But they said, “What is that to us? See to it yourself.” Throwing down the pieces of silver in the temple, he departed; and he went and hanged himself. But the chief priests, taking the pieces of silver, said, “It is not lawful to put them into the treasury, since they are blood money.” After conferring together, they used them to buy the potter's field as a place to bury foreigners. For this reason that field has been called the Field of Blood to this day. Then was fulfilled what had been spoken through the prophet Jeremiah, “And they took the thirty pieces of silver, the price of the one on whom a price had been set, on whom some of the people of Israel had set a price, and they gave them for the potter's field, as the Lord commanded me.” Now Jesus stood before the governor; and the governor asked him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” Jesus said, “You say so.” But when he was accused by the chief priests and elders, he did not answer. Then Pilate said to him, “Do you not hear how many accusations they make against you?” But he gave him no answer, not even to a single charge, so that the governor was greatly amazed. Now at the festival the governor was accustomed to release a prisoner for the crowd, anyone whom they wanted. At that time they had a notorious prisoner, called Jesus Barabbas. So after they had gathered, Pilate said to them, “Whom do you want me to release for you, Jesus Barabbas or Jesus who is called the Messiah?” For he realized that it was out of jealousy that they had handed him over. While he was sitting on the judgment seat, his wife sent word to him, “Have nothing to do with that innocent man, for today I have suffered a great deal because of a dream about him.” Now the chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowds to ask for Barabbas and to have Jesus killed. 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 should I do with Jesus who is called the Messiah?” All of them said, “Let him be crucified!” Then he asked, “Why, what evil has he done?” But they shouted all the more, “Let him be crucified!” So when Pilate saw that he could do nothing, but rather that a riot was beginning, he took some water and washed his hands before the crowd, saying, “I am innocent of this man's blood; see to it yourselves.” Then the people as a whole answered, “His blood be on us and on our children!” So he released Barabbas for them; and after flogging Jesus, he handed him over to be crucified. Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the governor's headquarters, and they gathered the whole cohort around him. They stripped him and put a scarlet robe on him, and after twisting some thorns into a crown, they put it on his head. They put a reed in his right hand and knelt before him and mocked him, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!” They spat on him, and took the reed and struck him on the head. After mocking him, they stripped him of the robe and put his own clothes on him. Then they led him away to crucify him. As they went out, they came upon a man from Cyrene named Simon; they compelled this man to carry his cross. And when they came to a place called Golgotha (which means Place of a Skull), they offered him wine to drink, mixed with gall; but when he tasted it, he would not drink it. And when they had crucified him, they divided his clothes among themselves by casting lots; then they sat down there and kept watch over him. Over his head they put the charge against him, which read, “This is Jesus, the King of the Jews.” Then two bandits were crucified with him, one on his right and one on his left. Those who passed by derided him, shaking their heads and saying, “You who would destroy the temple and build it in three days, save yourself! If you are the Son of God, come down from the cross.” In the same way the chief priests also, along with the scribes and elders, were mocking him, saying, “He saved others; he cannot save himself. He is the King of Israel; let him come down from the cross now, and we will believe in him. He trusts in God; let God deliver him now, if he wants to; for he said, ‘I am God's Son.'” The bandits who were crucified with him also taunted him in the same way. From noon on, darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon. And about three o'clock Jesus cried with a loud voice, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” that is, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” When some of the bystanders heard it, they said, “This man is calling for Elijah.” At once one of them ran and got a sponge, filled it with sour wine, put it on a stick, and gave it to him to drink. But the others said, “Wait, let us see whether Elijah will come to save him.” Then Jesus cried again with a loud voice and breathed his last. At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. The earth shook, and the rocks were split. The tombs also were opened, and many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised. After his resurrection they came out of the tombs and entered the holy city and appeared to many. Now when the centurion and those with him, who were keeping watch over Jesus, saw the earthquake and what took place, they were terrified and said, “Truly this man was God's Son!”

This week we have guest Barabbas Jones joining us to talk about his new book - The Case Against Jesus. A lot of Christians like to talk about what a good person Jesus was but was he really? Barabbas read all the gospels and he has some opinions about how great this Jesus guy really was. We got a chance to read his book and talked to him about it! He also gets a chance to answer our five questions!

In this episode we stand at the cross in Matthew 27, where every voice—religious leaders, Pontius Pilate, the crowd, and even the guilty—joins in accusing Jesus, and no one walks away innocent. As Christ refuses to justify himself and remains silent under the law's accusations, he exposes our constant need to defend ourselves and instead takes the verdict we deserve. In the language of Martin Luther, this is the great exchange: the sinless one becomes sin, the curtain is torn, and the crucified King delivers mercy to those who have nothing left to plead.LENT CHALLENGE GRANTDouble your impact this Lenten season: if you sponsor an episode of Scripture First, a generous donor has agreed to double your donation. Learn more at lutherhouseofstudy.org/donate GOSPEL Matthew 27:11-5411 Now Jesus stood before the governor; and the governor asked him, ‘Are you the King of the Jews?' Jesus said, ‘You say so.' 12 But when he was accused by the chief priests and elders, he did not answer. 13 Then Pilate said to him, ‘Do you not hear how many accusations they make against you?' 14 But he gave him no answer, not even to a single charge, so that the governor was greatly amazed.15 Now at the festival the governor was accustomed to release a prisoner for the crowd, anyone whom they wanted. 16 At that time they had a notorious prisoner, called Jesus Barabbas. 17 So after they had gathered, Pilate said to them, ‘Whom do you want me to release for you, Jesus Barabbas or Jesus who is called the Messiah?' 24 So when Pilate saw that he could do nothing, but rather that a riot was beginning, he took some water and washed his hands before the crowd, saying, ‘I am innocent of this man's blood; see to it yourselves.' 25 Then the people as a whole answered, ‘His blood be on us and on our children!' 26 So he released Barabbas for them; and after flogging Jesus, he handed him over to be crucified.38 Then two bandits were crucified with him, one on his right and one on his left. 39 Those who passed by derided him, shaking their heads 40 and saying, ‘You who would destroy the temple and build it in three days, save yourself! If you are the Son of God, come down from the cross.' 41 In the same way the chief priests also, along with the scribes and elders, were mocking him, saying, 42 ‘He saved others; he cannot save himself. He is the King of Israel; let him come down from the cross now, and we will believe in him. 43 He trusts in God; let God deliver him now, if he wants to; for he said, “I am God's Son.” ' 45 From noon on, darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon. 46And about three o'clock Jesus cried with a loud voice, ‘Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?' that is, ‘My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?' 47 When some of the bystanders heard it, they said, ‘This man is calling for Elijah.' 48 At once one of them ran and got a sponge, filled it with sour wine, put it on a stick, and gave it to him to drink. 49But the others said, ‘Wait, let us see whether Elijah will come to save him.' 50 Then Jesus cried again with a loud voice and breathed his last. 51 At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. The earth shook, and the rocks were split. 52 The tombs also were opened, and many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised. 53 After his resurrection they came out of the tombs and entered the holy city and appeared to many. 54 Now when the centurion and those with him, who were keeping watch over Jesus, saw the earthquake and what took place, they were terrified and said, ‘Truly this man was God's Son!'Support the showInterested in sponsoring an episode of Scripture First?Email Sarah at sarah@lhos.org or visit our donation page: lutherhouseofstudy.org/donate

Discussion QuestionsSermon Overview Jesus, the guiltless, was condemned so that the guilty could go free.Digging Deeper    Read Luke 23:1-25Pilate knew Jesus was innocent, and yet chose his job over justice. How might we respond when faced with situations like Pilate's?How does it affect you to hear that you are “guilty”? Why is it hard to apply this idea to ourselves?"Under all our sins is the fundamental sin of not keeping God always first.” How can you grow in this as a believer?Barabbas going free is a picture of what God has accomplished for us in the guiltless Christ being condemned, while we are set free. Listen to the song “I Am Barabbas” by Josiah Queen, and discuss how it impacts you: https://open.spotify.com/track/3GPaQ3dloevmilym0a1V3O?si=2ed9d78d19d945c1. Have different people read the following passages: 1 Peter 3:18, Colossians 2:21-22, Revelation 1:5b. How are we like Barabbas?Christianity isn't fundamentally about doing better for yourself, but receiving what Christ has done for you. How and why can we receive what Christ has done without making that a “work” which we have to do?Sermon applications: Trust, Praise, and Follow himHow can we communicate the goodness of receiving what Christ has done to people who tend to view Christianity as works-based (non-Christians, legalists, etc.) without going too far in the other direction?How could we grow in viewing ourselves not by what we've accomplished, but by what Christ has accomplished?Prayer

So when Pilate saw that he was gaining nothing, but rather that a riot was beginning, he took water and washed his hands before the crowd, saying, “I am innocent of this Man's blood; see to it yourselves.” And all the people answered, “His blood be on us and on our children!” Then he released for them Barabbas, and having scourged Jesus, delivered Him to be crucified. (Matthew 27:24-26)