Freedom Through Christ: Choosing Life Over Death

 

Summary

In today's gathering, I shared a message about the profound truth of our redemption through Christ, contrasting our lives with that of Barabbas, a man whose physical freedom was granted at the expense of Jesus' crucifixion. I began by reflecting on the emptiness of striving for worldly success, which I experienced personally until God intervened in my life, much like He did for Barabbas. This led me to the central question of the sermon: What will you do with Jesus?

I emphasized that Jesus took our place, just as He did for Barabbas. We sang about Jesus setting us free, giving us purpose, and having plans to prosper us. I prayed for the congregation to embrace this truth and for those who have not yet accepted Christ to find salvation.

I recounted the trial of Jesus, highlighting the false accusations against Him and the decision Pilate and Herod had to make regarding Jesus' fate. Despite knowing Jesus was innocent, Pilate succumbed to the crowd's demand to crucify Jesus and released Barabbas, a known insurrectionist and murderer. This act of releasing a prisoner during Passover was customary, but it also symbolized the substitutionary atonement that Jesus provided for all of us.

I challenged the congregation to consider their daily decisions about Jesus, urging them to live for Him in every moment and situation. I called for unity in Christ, especially in the face of a world united against Him, and encouraged everyone to invite others to our Easter service to hear the message of resurrection.

I also addressed the false charge against Jesus of opposing the payment of taxes to Caesar, demonstrating through scripture that this was a lie. Jesus taught to give to Caesar what is Caesar's and to God what is God's, which includes our very hearts.

Finally, I made an announcement regarding our church's building project, seeking the congregation's input on whether to borrow money to complete it or to build as funds become available.

Key Takeaways:

- The story of Barabbas is a mirror for our own lives, showing us that we too have been set free by Jesus' sacrifice. Just as Barabbas was released while Jesus went to the cross, we have been given freedom from sin and death through Christ's atonement. This should lead us to daily gratitude and a life lived in response to His grace. [01:04:13]

- Pilate's dilemma and his ultimate decision to wash his hands of Jesus' fate remind us that neutrality towards Christ is not an option. Every day, we are faced with choices that reflect our stance on Jesus' lordship in our lives. Our actions and decisions should consistently honor Him as King of Kings and Lord of Lords. [01:02:14]

- The unity of Pilate and Herod against Jesus illustrates the world's opposition to Christ. As believers, we are called to stand united for Jesus, boldly proclaiming His truth and love in a world that often rejects Him. Our unity in Christ is a powerful testimony to the world. [58:55]

- The false accusations against Jesus highlight the truth that He was without sin, the perfect Passover Lamb. As we navigate a world full of deception and lies, we must cling to the truth of the Gospel and the righteousness of Christ, allowing it to guide our lives and our witness to others. [54:15]

- Our participation in the church, whether through worship or decisions about building projects, should be rooted in a desire to honor God and advance His kingdom. Our choices should reflect a commitment to stewardship and a reliance on God's guidance, rather than personal preferences or worldly wisdom. [45:55]

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. Luke 23:1-25 - The trial of Jesus before Pilate and Herod, and the release of Barabbas.
2. Luke 20:20-25 - Jesus' teaching on paying taxes to Caesar.
3. Matthew 27:19-26 - Pilate's wife’s warning and Pilate washing his hands of Jesus' fate.

#### Observation Questions
1. What were the false accusations brought against Jesus during His trial before Pilate? ([47:03])
2. How did Pilate and Herod respond differently to Jesus during His trial? ([48:26])
3. What was the crowd's reaction when Pilate offered to release Jesus? ([49:47])
4. What did Pilate do to symbolically show he was not responsible for Jesus' death? ([01:01:40])

#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Pilate and Herod, despite recognizing Jesus' innocence, still allowed Him to be crucified? ([49:04])
2. How does the story of Barabbas serve as a metaphor for our own redemption through Christ? ([01:04:13])
3. What does Jesus' response to the question about paying taxes reveal about His understanding of authority and allegiance? ([51:43])
4. How does the unity of Pilate and Herod against Jesus reflect the world's opposition to Christ, and what does this mean for believers today? ([58:55])

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt pressured to make a decision that went against your beliefs. How did you handle it, and what can you learn from Pilate's and Herod's actions? ([49:04])
2. In what ways can you daily remind yourself of the sacrifice Jesus made for you, similar to how Barabbas was set free? ([01:04:13])
3. How can you ensure that your actions and decisions consistently honor Jesus as King of Kings and Lord of Lords? ([01:02:14])
4. What steps can you take to stand united with other believers in proclaiming Jesus' truth and love in a world that often rejects Him? ([58:55])
5. How can you actively participate in your church's mission and decisions, such as the building project mentioned, to ensure they align with God's guidance and not just personal preferences? ([45:55])
6. Think of a specific situation where you might be tempted to remain neutral about your faith. How can you prepare to take a stand for Jesus in that moment? ([01:02:14])
7. Identify one person in your life who has not yet accepted Christ. What is one specific action you can take this week to share the message of Jesus' sacrifice and resurrection with them? ([58:55])

Devotional

Day 1: Embracing Our Freedom in Christ
The story of Barabbas is not just a historical account; it's a vivid illustration of the freedom each person has received through Christ's sacrifice. Barabbas, a man guilty of insurrection and murder, was set free while Jesus, innocent of any crime, took his place on the cross. This exchange is a powerful representation of the spiritual liberty granted to all who believe in Jesus. The freedom from sin and death is not just a theological concept but a transformative reality that should fill believers with daily gratitude and compel them to live a life that reflects the grace they have received. This freedom is not earned by deeds or moral standing but is a gift, underscoring the depth of God's love and the value He places on each life. [01:04:13]

"For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit," (1 Peter 3:18 ESV).

Reflection: How does understanding your spiritual freedom through Christ's sacrifice change the way you approach your daily life and decisions?

Day 2: The Inescapability of Choice Regarding Christ
Pilate's encounter with Jesus demonstrates that indifference or neutrality toward Christ is not a viable stance. Faced with the decision to release Jesus or Barabbas, Pilate attempted to absolve himself of responsibility, yet his choice had profound implications. Similarly, believers are confronted with decisions that reveal their position on Jesus' lordship. These choices are not limited to grand gestures but are found in the mundane moments of everyday life. Whether it's in how one treats their neighbor, conducts business, or spends time, each decision should honor Jesus as the sovereign ruler of their lives. The call to follow Christ is a call to intentional living, where every action is an act of worship and allegiance to the King of Kings. [01:02:14]

"So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin." (James 4:17 ESV).

Reflection: What is one decision you're facing today where you can actively choose to honor Jesus, and what would that choice look like in practical terms?

Day 3: Standing United in Christ Against the World
The unity between Pilate and Herod in their opposition to Jesus underscores a world that is often united against Him. As followers of Christ, there is a call to counter this with a unity that is rooted in the love and truth of Jesus. This unity is not based on worldly principles but on the shared experience of redemption and the common mission to proclaim the gospel. In a society that can be divisive and hostile to the message of Christ, the unity of believers serves as a powerful testimony. It is through this collective strength that Christians can support one another and boldly share the love of Christ with those who do not yet know Him. [58:55]

"And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony." (Colossians 3:14 ESV).

Reflection: How can you contribute to the unity of your local church body this week, and what specific action can you take to foster this unity?

Day 4: Clinging to Truth in a World of Deception
The false accusations against Jesus during His trial highlight His sinless nature and the deceitfulness of the world. In a similar vein, believers are called to navigate a world rife with falsehoods by holding fast to the truth of the gospel. The integrity and righteousness of Christ serve as the ultimate standard by which to measure one's actions and words. In a culture where truth can be subjective and morality flexible, the unwavering truth of the gospel must guide the believer's life. This commitment to truth is not only for personal edification but also serves as a beacon to others who are searching for something real and steadfast. [54:15]

"Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth." (John 17:17 ESV).

Reflection: What is one way you can actively seek and uphold truth in your interactions today, and how can this commitment to truth be a witness to others?

Day 5: Honoring God in Our Church Participation
The involvement in church life, from worship to decision-making, should reflect a heart that seeks to honor God and further His kingdom. The recent announcement about the church's building project serves as a reminder that choices within the church community should be made with careful consideration of God's will and the advancement of His purposes. Whether it's through financial stewardship, volunteering time, or participating in ministry, each action should stem from a desire to glorify God rather than personal preference or secular reasoning. This approach ensures that the church remains a vessel for God's work on earth, guided by His wisdom and provision. [45:55]

"Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain." (Psalm 127:1 ESV).

Reflection: In what way can you contribute to the church's mission this week, and how can you ensure that your participation is rooted in a desire to honor God?

Quotes

"When I was 30 years old I started asking God what in the world is my life about... God heard me and he said start looking in the word and he came into my barn and he saved my life. I was the Barabbas that got set free from sin and death... What are you going to do with Jesus day by day? Moment by moment he's calling for us and he is Our Redeemer." [01:06:17]( | | )

"Every day several times a day we have to decide what are we going to do with this Jesus. Are we going to honor him, are we going to love him, are we going to keep him on the throne... What are we going to do with him? This was the conundrum that Pilate and Herod had before them." [58:16]( | | )

"Pilate and Herod thought they were Kings, thought they were leaders, but Jesus was really the King of Kings and the Lord of lords... They were the ones on trial and here's what they had to decide... What are you going to do with Jesus now for some of you, you're thinking well I've accepted Christ... but I'm here to tell you that every day... you and I have to make a decision." [57:36]( | | )

"Pilate and Herod became friends, united against Jesus. Do you recognize that there's a world out there against Jesus and they all unite and they come together and they're against Jesus... Church, it's time for us to be united for Jesus. It's time for us to tell everybody we see and everybody we know about Jesus." [58:55]( | | )

"Barabbas means son of a father or Master... What did Barabbas do with Jesus after he was let go? Did he leave that place and go back to his life of insurrection and murder or did he fall on his knees before almighty God and say thank you Lord cuz I just escaped death... For each and every one of us, we have to look at it and we have to identify with Barabbas because we've all sinned." [01:04:13]( | | )

"Jesus was that pure and that spotless lamb and he could set us free and the scriptures tell us in 1 Corinthians chapter 5 that Jesus our Passover Lamb has been sacrificed. Hebrews says he was sacrificed once for all... Peter tells us... you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors." [01:05:36]( | | )

"Jesus said give to Caesar what's but give to God what belongs to him. We belong to God Amen... Jesus took his hand and he reached into every man's heart and he grabbed their heart because he said give to God what belongs to God. We belong to God. God created us. God wants our heart." [52:19]( | | )

"Jesus was going to go to the cross... A lot of people tried to stop him but he was going to the cross for our sake... Jesus was wrongly convicted by the lies created by jealous Jewish leaders... Jesus was going to go to the cross and how was it going to happen? These guys were making it happen but they were doing it with lies." [47:03]( | | )

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Transcript
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