March 30, 2022 – Lent Text: John 18:33-40
Dear Friends in Christ,
William Jefferson was a congressman from Louisiana. In 2002, he used resources of an organization that would encourage a vote for his daughter to the Statehouse. He used this same organization to help get his sister elected as a city official in New Orleans.
During Hurricane Katrina he used the National Guard to recover belongings from his home. When their truck got stuck in mud he used one of their helicopters to get them out. All the while this manpower was needed elsewhere.
In March 2005 a company called iGate sent Representative Jefferson $400,000 so he would persuade the army to use their technology. When the FBI raided his home they found $90,000 in the freezer.
Innocent? Hardly. In 2007 he was found guilty and sentenced to the largest sentence ever given a congressman for bribery. He was released a few years back for time served.
The Witness for Christ series finds us looking tonight at Barabbas. We have a trial going on. There are three outcomes: innocent, guilty, and free. Here we go . . .
“INNOCENT, GUILTY, AND FREE”
Innocent – that’s Jesus. Pilate says so. “I find no guilt in Him.” (v. 38). Pilate didn’t think Jesus deserved the cross. Maybe a lecture or a lashing, but no cross. Pilate is “the governor” which means he decides death-penalty cases. You live or die according to him. So Pilate declares Jesus innocent and does it again in John 19:4, 6.
Guilty – that’s Barabbas. Barabbas is a violent outlaw. Our text says robber but he was so much more. He plunders and steals and he may not just rob you, but kill you.
So Pilate, the man with all the power, relinquishes the power, and instead goes to the court of public opinion. “”Do you want me to release the King of the Jews?’ They cried out again, ‘Not this man, but Barabbas!’” (vs. 39, 40)
Innocent – Jesus. Guilty – Barabbas. Guilty – you and me. We are all born “dead in trespasses and sins.” (Eph. 2:1). We are blinded by the god of this world. We are hopeless. Our good works are unclean rags. Just call you and I “Barabbas.” Paul called himself a “wretch” and that is what we are – right now…this moment – we are wretches.
The biblical word is sin. This isn’t a momentary stumble and lapse in judgment. This sin we all have is rebellion against God’s rule. Our sin lays claims to God’s throne. Our sin defies God’s authority. Our sin let’s God know we are in charge.
“All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned – every one – to his own way.” (Isa. 53:6). We all have a way. Her way may be flirtation and promiscuity. His way may be intoxication and bad language. Her way pride. His way gossip. What’s your way? God has declared us all guilty and the sentence is death.
Innocent – that’s Jesus. Guilty – that’s Barabbas. Guilty – that’s us. Free – that’s Barabbas. Listen. Can you hear it? The Roman guard with a key. He unlocks the prison door and shouts, “Barabbas. You are free. They have chosen to let you go.” Barabbas had to be shocked, right? Shackles gone, crimes pardoned and he walks to the light of day. Free!
Free – we see it with Barabbas. Free – you and I. How so? Christ endured not just the Roman nails, the mockery, and the spear, but also the gears of God’s grinding justice. God doesn’t overlook sin. He doesn’t poo-poo it as no big deal. That is not how it works. God must punish sin.
That is why all of sin was placed on Jesus. My sin. Your sin. Barabbas’ sin. Christ was in our place. Our sins are many but Christ’s mercy is even more. We are free. Psalm 146:7 says, “The Lord sets the prisoners free.” Galatians 5:1 says, “For freedom Christ has set us free.” Think of all the way you could become a prisoner. But there is only way to be free. Jesus.
He liberates us from the condemnation of sin. He frees us from our past. He opens doors to our worry. This freedom cannot be taken away. No power on earth or hell can destroy it.
Innocent, guilty, and free. Three important words in any trial. Which one is the most life-changing? Innocent? Guilty? Free? Do you have it right? Free! “If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” (John 8:36). By faith, forever free.
Amen.