Romans 5:1-2, 6-8
Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access into the grace in which we now stand.
You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possible dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
It is often said that, “Timing is everything.”
Maybe something like that ran through Barabbas’ mind as it suddenly dawned on him that it was Jesus, not he, that was being led away to be crucified. What were the chances that his arrest would coincide so perfectly with the arrest and trial of Jesus of Nazareth? What are the chances that, when given the choice, the people would choose him, a thief and murderer, for release over Jesus, a respected teacher and Rabbi? What are the chances that the chains that bound his own hands and feet, would be removed – and placed on the hands and feet of the one some called, “The Christ”?
What are the chances indeed?
The Apostle Paul, writing a few years after Jesus’ death and resurrection, wrote,
You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly.
As he stood before Pilate, guilty of insurrection and murder, Barabbas was both “ungodly” and “powerless.” His “right time” was right then. If someone didn’t do something – he was going to be punished for his crimes and his sin.
Someone did do something. Jesus took his place.
Think of yourself at your worst moment. Think of a time in your life when you were, in word, action or thought, both “ungodly” and “powerless.” You were ungodly in the sense that your life, your actions, your thoughts were unpleasing to God or even yourself; you were powerless in the sense that you could not or did not control your own behavior or emotion – and could not undo the pain or consequences caused by your choices. Think of a time that you would most like to forget. Now remember that, at just that time; at just the right time, Jesus was there for you.
Brian Coffey
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2 comments:
Wow this is what I really needed considering I've been through alot here lately.. I've lost the one thing I held close to me after working so hard and goin through alot of pain and suffering to earn it and I have been depressed and I've felt the one thing I've kept shut out for a long time and that's hatred.. I mean yes I've had anger I get angry alot but honestly who doesn't.. but reading this helps me and just praying helps it really does and I'm glad to have become a follower of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ because through Christ I we can do anything. GOD BLESS!!!
Felt the truth of the great exchange so clearly and personally in this sermon reinactment. Thank you Pastor Brian for making this holy season so rich!
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