TRIAL AND BEATING
Mark 15:13-15
“Crucify him!” they shouted. “Why? What crime has he committed?” asked Pilate. But they shouted all the louder, “Crucify him!” Wanting to satisfy the crowd, Pilate released Barabbas to them. He had Jesus flogged, and handed him over to be crucified.
When Jesus stood in trial, He was standing next to a man who was a murderer and revolutionary… Barabbas. In our minds, would we not think it logical for Barabbas to be condemned rather than Jesus? Yet this scene unfolds quite differently. Instead of releasing Jesus, who knew no sin (2 Corinthians 5:12), the people chose to release Barabbas – the one who had actually committed a crime.
Now imagine…what if it was YOU standing in trial before the people? Even though you knew that you would deserve the punishment, you were set free. This is exactly what Jesus did for us. He chose to take on the punishment that we deserved, that we might experience true freedom through His sacrifice. Now, in Him, we have freedom – not to do whatever we want when we want it, but freedom to walk without guilt when we come to Him, asking for forgiveness with a sincere heart.
Pick up a leather strap and place it in your bag to remind you of the flogging (beating) that Jesus received for us.
Take some time to Thank God for his forgiveness and for taking our place.
New Hope 