Jesus Was Held Captive, That We Might Be Released

Jesus was not released, so that we might be released.

^“9But Pilate answered them, saying, Will you that I release to you the King of the Jews? ¹⁰For he knew that the chief priests had delivered Him for envy. ¹¹But the chief priests moved the people, that he should rather release Barabbas to them” (Mark 15:9-11).

Jesus was innocent but they released a known criminal in His place. Of course, the cross was God’s plan from before the foundation of the world. However, each event was a picture of what Jesus would do for us.

Instead of Jesus, they released Barabbas. That was a picture of Jesus taking our place on the cross. We were the criminals. Jesus was innocent. Jesus would not be released so they we might be released. Jesus died young, so that we could live a long, abundant life.

The sinner was set free because Jesus took the sinners place. Jesus was not released, though He was guilty of no wrong. He didn’t deserve the death penalty but He who didn’t deserve it, took the guilt and punishment for those who did deserve it. That’s grace.