It is almost Easter Sunday! Time has been flying, it must mean we’re having fun! I hope you all are having a good year. We have started a new series called Endure and it’s about what God has endured for us. That it was Jesus who became a man, and that He set aside some privileges so that He could die for us and give us life.

During tough times or troubles in our life we should always go back to this because it’s a strong reminder that we have value. That God deems us valuable. So much so, even before we were created it was already in His plans to die. We should strive to treat others the way God does. Our mission is to point people to Jesus.

In the Easter story there is always a scene that trips me up. It’s when Barabbas is standing next to Jesus. Pontius Pilate believes he is giving the Jews authority to choose between Jesus and Barabbas, and the Jews are screaming, “Free Barabbas, Free Barabbas.” I’ve always found myself angry at this moment because Jesus has done nothing wrong. He’s healed, He’s brought Hope, and has saved people’s lives. Here he is standing next to Barabbas who is a murderer, a thief, and a rebel. It truly breaks my heart that they would rather have Barabbas.

Pontius thinks He is in control but He doesn’t know that it’s The Father that is sending His Son. It is the Father that is freeing Barrabas. Let me be honest with you, we’re Barabbas. We’re liars, murderers, cheaters, liars, thieves, and etc… and it is Jesus who came to set us free, even those who would be ungrateful like Barabbas.

All the way up to Easter let me challenge you to see people the way God sees people. That He even loves Barabbas. Are there some Barabbas’ in your life that need to be set free that you can love and care for? That you can invite them to know Jesus. That you can invite them to be set free!

516, let’s continue to stay on Mission and continue to serve and invite people to Freedom.

Love you,

Pastor Chris Davenport