Substitution

Luke 23:25, 42

He released the man who had been thrown into prison for insurrection and murder, for whom they asked, but he delivered Jesus over to their will.   

“And we indeed justly, for we are receiving the due reward of our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong.”

Barabbas is released, who is an insurrectionist and murder. Jesus is delivered to be crucified. The thief on the cross says that he is rightly condemned but Jesus didn’t do anything wrong. In a sense I am just like Barabbas and the thief. I am released and set free even though I am a murderer and a rebel against God. I should be justly punished for all my sins.

By God’s predetermined plan, Jesus was handed over to be crucified against even what a corrupt justice system would normally do (Acts 2:23). This was done so that He could take my sins and my punishment upon Himself. Pondering this remarkable act of love is mind blowing. Many apologists have used Jesus substitutionary death to conclude that no one would ever make up a religion based on this.

When I die, I will be with Jesus in paradise. Thank You, Jesus.