There are many substitutes today. We have sugar substitute, salt substitute, instant mashed potatoes (which I abhor) instant tea, etc., which are substitutes for the real thing. Webster says that the definition of a Substitute is as follows: A person or thing that takes the place or function of another".

If we look at the Crucifixion, we will see there are certain characters in this event. We see Judas, his sale and his suicide, we see the Priests and their pressure and plot, we see Herod who was easily swayed by the crowd and we see Pilate who had a weakness of not standing for what he knew was right. Two of the main men I wish to focus on today are Jesus and Barabbas. Let's look at Barabbas first. Barabbas was a career criminal. He deserved to die. He was a thief, a traitor and in Acts 3:14, he was referred to as a murderer. Justice for him would be to die on the third cross that day. Now, let's look at Jesus. He was innocent of all the charges against Him. Pilate could find no fault in Him nor could Herod. It was the crowd who demanded that Jesus was to die. In this horrible event, we can see many things but, I wish to call your attention to only three.

First, Jesus died as a substitute for Barabbas. Acts 3:14-15. The Just dying for the unjust. The sinless dying for the sin-full. Barabbas is a picture and an example of all sinners! Have you ever stole anything, have you ever told a lie, have you ever hated someone. Then, you are guilty as charged. Christ was the Just one. He had never done any of these things. Here's another comparison if I may add it. Barabbas was undeniably guilty. Jesus was completely innocent. Barabbas was a notable prisoner, known for his crimes and wickedness (Matt. 27 vs 16). Notice that when Pilate said "whom will ye that I release unto you? Barabbas or Jesus, which is called Christ"? Notice the crowd didn't ask "Barabbas who? They all knew who he was, what he was and what he had done. Now the other side--Look at Jesus. He was known for His kindness, His love, His compassion for people in all levels of society. He was sinless, He was innocent and He was perfect,.

The crowd called for Christ to die--Barabbas to Live. Never place your future in the hands of the crowd. Crowds can lead to your destruction. Who do you hang with, who are your friends, who do you follow? Drunkards and drug users will destroy you if you follow "that crowd". I know personally. They almost destroyed me. This crowd was so blind that they didn't care anything about the future. They told Pilate that let Christ's blood be upon them and their children, when Pilate stated he was innocent of this just man's blood. Pilate washed his hands in water to symbolize his cleansing of the innocent blood of Christ. Listen folks, this water in the bowl didn't wash away Pilate's sin and the baptistry water or the pond water, won't wash away yours. I wonder how many times that Pilate has thought about that incident of washing his hands in water, all the years he has spent in Hell.

Christ's death set Barabbas Free--vs-26. This is a perfect picture of our salvation. We are guilty--just as Barabbas--All have sinned Rom. 3: 23. We deserve the death sentence but, Christ died in our place. He was our substitute--Rom. 5:8 The death of Christ bought our redemption and our freedom from death and He released us--set us free!!!!!!

Don't place your destiny in the crowd. Place your destiny in Christ so, the question is, "who do you trust, the crowd or Christ"?

If the son shall make you free, you shall be free indeed--John 8:36

May God add His blessings to this message.

Oldbiker