What Jesus Did! 'Release!' — Mark 15:6-8

Tuesday, November 26, 2024

Now it was the governor's custom each year during the Passover celebration to release one prisoner — anyone the people requested. One of the prisoners at that time was Barabbas, a revolutionary who had committed murder in an uprising. The crowd went to Pilate and asked him to release a prisoner as usual.
— Mark 15:6-8 NLT

Key Thought

Jesus' ministry was all about release - release from the power of death, release from the power of disease, release from the power of the devil, release from... Here we have what may be a providential irony: people asked for the release of a murderous revolutionary while Jesus went to the cross to release them - and us - from the clutches of Satan, death, and hell.

Today's Prayer

For my freedom, dear Father in heaven, I thank you. I know my freedom from the power of sin and death came at such a great price. I know that in many ways, I am Barabbas - deserving punishment but granted freedom because of your Son. Thank you. In Jesus' name, I praise you. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Luke 4:16-21
  • Hebrews 2:14-15
  • Romans 7:24-25

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1 Related Resource by Heartlight

Amazing Love!
Article by Byron Ware
Jesus died in the place of Barabbas. More importantly, Jesus died for you and me. Byron Ware recalls a memory from fifty years ago that shaped his life, his love, his family, and his understanding of grace, Jesus dying in the place of Barabbas and us.

Illustration

Illustration of Mark 15:6-8 NLT — The crowd went to Pilate and asked him to release a prisoner as usual.

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About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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