Forgiveness Wins

Then, willing to gratify the crowd, Pilate released Barabbas to them. And after having Jesus flogged, he handed Him over to be crucified. Mark 15:13

Willing to gratify the crowd? Why was Pilate so willing? What did they have on him? Was it fear of losing his position? Can we be so fearful that we allow an innocent person to be handed over to ruthless men to be destroyed. 

I am sure this decision is being made constantly throughout the world right now. Parents are handing over precious children to be sex slaves for money. I read of one mother that allowed her baby girl to be sexually assaulted for money, the babies screams she pretended was the wind. Have mercy Lord! How would that dear child grow up, would it grow up?

Can we be so fearful of our own life that we betray friends and family to Islamic militants. How can we live with ourselves after having betrayed others. I think a Judas had this problem. He did come to his senses but chose to end his life in suicide.

If you have betrayed others, yes your guilt is real but so is forgiveness. Jesus prayed for those who crucified Him, He said, "Father forgive them for they know not what they do." 

If you have been betrayed, forgive and trust the Lord. On Sunday I had a woman come to me and apologise for twice betraying my trust. God had dealt with her. At the time of betrayal I knew she was a new Christian and in fear had been bullied, I was able to pray for her and trust the Lord. He lead me to a better place, she went through a troubled place, but now is through. Now this is a good result. It was hard to forgive, it was hard to trust but I did and was rewarded.

The crowd asked for Barabbas instead of Jesus. Barabbas means son of the father, yet they gave up the Son of God who was indeed the Son of the Father. The crowd betrayed and lost, Jesus forgave and won, through suffering.

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