The Prisoner in the Cell 9/14

The Prisoner in the Cell

Barabbas sat in a cold, filthy Roman cell. His wrists were scarred from chains. He could hear the crowd outside chanting for his crucifixion. He knew he was guilty. He knew he was going to die. He expected the soldier to say, "Get up. It is time to die." Instead, the soldier said, "Barabbas, you are free." The soldier knew exactly who he was and what he had done. But somebody else was dying on his cross.

Barabbas was a violent and dangerous man. He was a murderer and a robber. His chains were not evidence of Roman cruelty. They were evidence of his crime. He was a rightful prisoner who deserved his cross. His story shows us our own condition. We are all guilty before a holy God. We have all broken His law. We have all earned judgment.

You may not be a murderer like Barabbas. But you have lied, lusted, and harbored bitterness. You have chosen your way over God's way. The question is not whether you are better than someone else. The question is whether you have perfectly obeyed God. You belong in the cell beside him. Where do you see your own guilt most clearly?

“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23)

Prayer: Ask God to show you the specific ways you have fallen short of His glory.

Challenge: Write down one area of your life where you know you have disobeyed God.

To listen to the sermon that corresponds with this devotion, click the link: https://www.mbcpb.org/media