TEXT: JOHN 18:40 KJV
“Then cried they all again, saying, Not this man, but Barabbas. Now Barabbas was a robber.”
Discussion
Today’s devotional shall be a reflection on Jesus’ crucifixion, and we shall draw a lesson from one of the events surrounding it. Our Bible text today was taken from the story of when Pilate was planning to release Jesus because he found no fault in Him.
The Jews said they preferred Barabbas to be released instead of Jesus. They chose a robber to be released instead of Jesus. The same men who hailed Him, “Hosanna!” when He entered the city no longer cared about Him. At this point, even Jesus’ disciples were nowhere to be found. The only one, Peter, who followed Him to this point denied Him three times. Everyone turned their backs on Jesus, all because God’s will needed to be fulfilled.
Sometimes, the hurt caused by people, especially those who are very close to us, could be part of God’s will for our destiny. Pilate’s attempt to free Jesus was contrary to God’s plan for Him. Pilate even told Jesus that he had the power to free Him if He would speak to him (John 19:10), but all his efforts were against God’s will for Jesus Christ.
The will of God for Jesus was difficult and very tough. As Christians, sometimes we might go through challenges that may seem tough and difficult, but God may have already included them in His plan for us, and He has already made a way of glory at the end of them. The difficult and painful situation Jesus went through eventually paid off because, through it, we are redeemed today. Hallelujah!
To relate this to today’s topic, Jesus, the Son of David—the same Jesus they were shouting “Hosanna!” to welcome into the city just a few days earlier is now referred to as “not the man.” The same Jesus for whom they laid their clothes on the ground for His donkey to walk over now became a man of no reputation, and they preferred a robber to Him.
How quickly people can change from praise to ridicule and rejection. Our goal, mission, and assignment must be clear to us and should never be defined by people’s acceptance, praise or rejection because when push comes to shove, we are on our own with God in the place of destiny.
I pray today that the Lord shall help us and turn every challenging situation around for God’s name to be glorified in our lives, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Declaration:
I shall focus on my assignment. I shall not allow the discouragement or praise of men to affect my God-given assignment.
Light Up Christian Fellowship
