Substitution

“So Pilate decided that their demand should be granted. He released the man who had been thrown into prison for insurrection and murder, for whom they asked, but he delivered Jesus over to their will.” Luke 23:24-25

This story tells of the last moments of Jesus trial as He is turned over to those who would crucify Him. The crowd of jealous and arrogant leaders had asked for a murderer to be set free, while, at the same time demanding that the sinless and innocent Jesus to be crucified.

We may not have committed murder, but we have all committed crimes against our Heavenly Father. In His righteousness justice, God has every right to punish us for our insurrection against Him. Instead, He gave up His own Son to suffer in our place. Jesus bore the punishment for our sins. So, just like in this story, we are set free from the chains that hold us. The convicted criminal in the story accepted the gift of freedom that Jesus provided. We too must accept the gift of salvation and redemption provided by Jesus. Why not accept His gift today and be set free?