I have recently been examining the grace of God. First, I will tell you this: it is ENDLESS and it is AMAZING.
I was reading the story leading up to Jesus' death at the end of Matthew. During his trial when he is taken before Pilate, it is a toss up between who to release-- Jesus or Barabbas. Everyone in the court room during the time was yelling to let Barabbas go. Though he was a true criminal, the people hated Jesus so much they wanted him to take a criminal's punishment. As the story goes, Barabbas is released and Jesus is the one to be crucified later on.
As you and I read this story from an outsider's perspective, we can't help but feel injustice when the people have their way in the court room: "Crucify him!" When you and I read that Barabbas is released, we feel so much sorrow and misery for Jesus. Well, rightfully so. Here's my punchline: YOU WERE BARABBAS. I was Barabbas. On trial for something we deserved. A punishment. Death. And there you were in front of the blaring crowd, knowing what you've done. You were waiting to hear the sentence, though you could already guess what it might be, when suddenly, you were pushed into the mob of people chanting your name. You turn around to see the face of an innocent man, awaiting to be flogged and beaten. And for what? Being the Messiah? Being who he says he is? That's low-- of you, of me.
Yet, in all of this chaos and corruption, Jesus was not surprised. Reading this story last night with Ian, he said something from Jesus' perspective that still rings in my head, and it is the very epitome of the gospel. Ian said (from Jesus' perspective), "You don't understand, but that's okay. I'll take this one."
This is grace. And it is endless and amazing.
