Barabbas and Jesus: What will you Do?
Posted: Sunday, November 02, 2008
by Teresa Ortiz
Freelance writer/Speaker
Barabbas was a man who was in prison with a death sentence at the time Jesus was arrested for crimes he did not commit. Barabbas on the other hand, was guilty beyond any doubt and deserved his punishment.
He represents all of humanity since the fall of man in the Garden of Eden. Each of us has a bit of Barabbas within our soul. We lie at times, we lash out in anger and say mean words that hurt, we gossip and well, you name it. The account of Barabbas is recorded for us in the Gospel of Matthew--27:16-26, and he is mentioned again briefly in Acts 3:14-15.
I recently watched a video that brought this story to life in a moving and powerful way-it tells about the day Barabbas heard about Jesus. We don't know how it affected Barabbas, but we can decide how it will affect us.
I invite you to spend a few more moments of your time to watch this video. You can watch it by clicking, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=toEdT0VEHKI
At the end of the video, the question is posed, "What will you do"?
Each of us know in the depth of our hearts who we really are. We know when God is speaking. We can hear the faint voice of grace calling out our names. If this is you today, I encourage you to answer the call. All it takes is the courage to ask God to forgive you for running all these days, months or years. Surrender your life to Him--he already called you so he is waiting to hear from you. Accept the trade He made for you--your life for his. Jesus Christ paid the price so we wouldn't have to. It is an eternal decision with benefits that begin the moment you open your heart.
Give Jesus a try, what have you to lose? Chances are nothing else has worked out so well so far. You may not be in a literal prison, though some are, but you are in your own personal prison and the real you is literally dying to get out.
This is a sobering message, but these are tough times--some of you might even be angry at what you saw and what you are reading now, yet you are compelled to continue. Why is that? Perhaps it's because you are tired of running.
Freedom begins today, right this moment. Here is an example of what you can pray:
Dear Lord,
I am tired of running from you, thank you for never giving up on me. There is a lot I don't know or understand about you, but I have come to realize that you are real. Please come into my life, help me understand and learn from you. I need you in my life, I want you in my life. Please take these feeling of doubt and turn them into a strong faith. I have so little to give at the moment, but I am trusting you to take all that I have. I promise to follow you and I will rely on you to help me keep my promise. In Jesus name, Amen.
You can change it to fit what your heart speaks. I only include it for those who have never prayed before.
This however, is just the beginning. The Christian life with all its rewards has its challenges. Christianity is not for the weak. You will need to find a healthy, Bible believing church, get a Bible and start reading. I can guarantee it will be awkward at first, but don't let that keep you from moving forward. Soon you will feel comfortable in your new life with Christ.
There are a lot of great books to help you get started. I suggest the following:
How to Study Your Bible by Kay Arthur
Evidence for Faith 101 by Bruce Bickel and Stan Jantz
The Spirit-Filled Study Bible – New King James Version
The New Living Translation of the Bible
Lord bless you in you new walk with Christ!
Related Post: I am a New Christian
© Teresa Ortiz 2008
He represents all of humanity since the fall of man in the Garden of Eden. Each of us has a bit of Barabbas within our soul. We lie at times, we lash out in anger and say mean words that hurt, we gossip and well, you name it. The account of Barabbas is recorded for us in the Gospel of Matthew--27:16-26, and he is mentioned again briefly in Acts 3:14-15.
I invite you to spend a few more moments of your time to watch this video. You can watch it by clicking, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=toEdT0VEHKI
At the end of the video, the question is posed, "What will you do"?
Each of us know in the depth of our hearts who we really are. We know when God is speaking. We can hear the faint voice of grace calling out our names. If this is you today, I encourage you to answer the call. All it takes is the courage to ask God to forgive you for running all these days, months or years. Surrender your life to Him--he already called you so he is waiting to hear from you. Accept the trade He made for you--your life for his. Jesus Christ paid the price so we wouldn't have to. It is an eternal decision with benefits that begin the moment you open your heart.
Give Jesus a try, what have you to lose? Chances are nothing else has worked out so well so far. You may not be in a literal prison, though some are, but you are in your own personal prison and the real you is literally dying to get out.
This is a sobering message, but these are tough times--some of you might even be angry at what you saw and what you are reading now, yet you are compelled to continue. Why is that? Perhaps it's because you are tired of running.
Freedom begins today, right this moment. Here is an example of what you can pray:
Dear Lord,
I am tired of running from you, thank you for never giving up on me. There is a lot I don't know or understand about you, but I have come to realize that you are real. Please come into my life, help me understand and learn from you. I need you in my life, I want you in my life. Please take these feeling of doubt and turn them into a strong faith. I have so little to give at the moment, but I am trusting you to take all that I have. I promise to follow you and I will rely on you to help me keep my promise. In Jesus name, Amen.
You can change it to fit what your heart speaks. I only include it for those who have never prayed before.
This however, is just the beginning. The Christian life with all its rewards has its challenges. Christianity is not for the weak. You will need to find a healthy, Bible believing church, get a Bible and start reading. I can guarantee it will be awkward at first, but don't let that keep you from moving forward. Soon you will feel comfortable in your new life with Christ.
There are a lot of great books to help you get started. I suggest the following:
How to Study Your Bible by Kay Arthur
Evidence for Faith 101 by Bruce Bickel and Stan Jantz
The Spirit-Filled Study Bible – New King James Version
The New Living Translation of the Bible
Lord bless you in you new walk with Christ!
Related Post: I am a New Christian
© Teresa Ortiz 2008
This Article has been viewed 993 times. (Not updated in real-time.)
More commentsThank you, Teresa, for a beautifully written and inspirational article. My heart aches when I think of Jesus dying for me on the cross. But I am eternally greatful for his love. Thank you again for reminding us to keep the faith.SandraI am with you on that! Thank you for your faithful support. It means a lot to me! May the Lord continue to bless you!
I must be honest, whenever I read an article and there is scripture quoted I just blurb right past it.As with all religious articles I find it hard to stay tuned to articles with religious themes. Be glad you are in America where this type of article is allowed.HI Mr. Keith, its been a long time. Thanks for taking the time to comment. I respect your feelings.Believe me, I am very glad I live in America for this and many other reasons. I don't take my freedoms for granted. They came with a high price and I am forever grateful to the men and women who faught so long and those who continue to fight and also to God for the freedom I have found in Jesus.Isn't it great all the different articles we can read on SW from diets to faith to catching fish to education of all kinds. You just gotta love it :-)God bless you!Truthful.......and if I may add....... God Bless you!
Thank you. I believe that the spirit Jesus left, lives within us. EverHi Jose, thanks for reading and commenting. Yes, Jesus said all who receive Him will have the Holy Spirit within them as a guarantee for salvation, for instruction, for comfort and for wisdom. The Holy Spirit is the means by which we have our connection from Jesus to the Father. Lord Bless you!
This was a very inspiring article. I thoroughly enjoyed it! ~Stay Blessed~Hi Ronyae, thank you for the kinds words. So glad you enjoyed it. Blessings to you!
Thanks for a well written article! It's always good to have informed positions to read. I encourage others to read this twice!Hi Victor, thanks for the kind words, I hope it blessed you :-)
Dear Teresa,As always you touch the heart of your readers and bring an issue that has been complicated by life, back to the simplicity that God intended. Your devotion to our Lord and the planting of the seeds of salvation that He will harvest is inspiring and encouraging to all. Thank you for surrendering self and loving enough to follow the path that He has laid for you. You are a blessing.With Love,Star LynHi Star! It's good to see you back, its been awhile, I hope things are going smoother since we last talked.Thanks for the encouraging words, they inspire me to keep going :-)God bless you bunches. Love, Teresa
Teresa, when I left religion and entered into relationship with Christ, this has been my focus. You heard His voice and extended the invitation for others to enter into relationship with Him before it is too late. I continue to pray with you and others for those who are unwilling to help themselves. If they only knew what they were missing, eh? I pray this is read by thousands of thousands! A beautiful teaching, my sister. Our love and His blessings to you and your family.
AvisHi Avis, you said it well "when you left religion and entered into a relationship with Jesus Christ", some might wonder what the difference is. And I hope I have made it clear in the many articles I have written in relation to faith.But it is not about following a bunch of rules, it is about falling in love with Jesus because we get to know him through his word. The more time we spend with him, the more we fall in love. Much like building relationships with other people parent/child, friendship, dating/marital.Thanks for you input and joining in prayer! Lord bless you and continue to bless the works of your hands. Still hoping we can meet up someday :-)
Excellent!!! your knowledge of God and his Son is remarkable, I am so proud of you Teresa...keep up the glorious work...and i know that there are people just popping in on searchwarp reading your articles and I know God uses your articles to speak to their hearts...God Bless !Hi Kathy, wow! You made me blush. I feel so blessed to be a part of the family of searchwarp and among the many wonderful writers and witnesses for Christ.Thank you for the encouraging words. Keep reading, keep studying and growing in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ!
Teresa, you are great witness for Christ. I hope many will respond to your -- correction -- God's message that you are delivering.Hi Terry, thank you, I think you are a great witness yourself :-)I do pray for hearts to turn. There are no second chances. We need to keep praying as the Scripture says..."until the fullness of the gentiles has come..."Lord bless you!
Ok Teresa here is a down to earth, clean, movie that will touch your heart. It is called A Walk in the Clouds. Seen it yet? If not do it, period.Hi Robert! Thanks for the recommendation. I have seen at 5 or 6 times, one of my favorite all time movies!!! :-) Hope all is well on your end. God bless
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