Be. Become. Do. - Day 24
Day 24 - Thursday, October 12
Read Matthew 27
Highlight
Few scenes in the crucifixion account are more dramatic than the release of Barabbas. While we don’t have all of the details about Barabbas’ history or crimes, the historical context tells us quite a bit. We know that capital punishment was not the sentence given to mere robbers or criminals. It was often reserved for insurrectionists. In Greek, Barabbas is called a lestes, which the Jewish historian Josephus would often use for those who were caught trying to rebel against the Roman Empire. It is likely that Barabbas was an insurrectionist and was condemned to die the very next day. In fact, many scholars believe that the reason that there was a third cross already prepared for Jesus to be crucified on was because it was Barabbas’ cross and he was the one that was supposed to be crucified between the two other men (also called lestes, or the plural lestai) who will die with Jesus. If you want to find our place in the story of the crucifixion, look no further than Barabbas. Jesus took our place on a cross prepared for us so that we could go free.
Reflection & Prayer
For this reading plan we will be using a tool to guide our study of Scripture that’s called the S.O.A.P. Method. It stands for Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer. We recommend you use a journal with this method and write out your thoughts on each of these areas for each day of reading. It doesn’t have to be long-winded and you don’t need a fancy journal. But for anyone that has not journaled before, the benefit is that it often helps us focus and avoid distractions during prayer and Bible study.
S.O.A.P. Method
Scripture - Pick a verse or two that stood out to you and write it in your journal. Be looking for a “Holy Spirit Highlight.” What did you read and think “I needed to hear that” or felt like it was written just for you?
Observation - Now write some observations about the verse(s) or passage. What is this passage or verse saying? About God? About people? How is Jesus revealed in these verses?
Application - Now write a few sentences on how this passage applies to your life. Is there truth about God that you are to believe? A promise to receive? Is the Holy Spirit convicting you of something you need to do or stop doing in light of God’s truth?
Prayer - Now write out a prayer to God in response to this Scripture. This is a way to turn God’s Word to you back to Him. Be honest and express your heart to Him. God always listens and He delights in your prayers. (Psalm 34:15; Proverbs 15:8)
Read Matthew 27
Highlight
Few scenes in the crucifixion account are more dramatic than the release of Barabbas. While we don’t have all of the details about Barabbas’ history or crimes, the historical context tells us quite a bit. We know that capital punishment was not the sentence given to mere robbers or criminals. It was often reserved for insurrectionists. In Greek, Barabbas is called a lestes, which the Jewish historian Josephus would often use for those who were caught trying to rebel against the Roman Empire. It is likely that Barabbas was an insurrectionist and was condemned to die the very next day. In fact, many scholars believe that the reason that there was a third cross already prepared for Jesus to be crucified on was because it was Barabbas’ cross and he was the one that was supposed to be crucified between the two other men (also called lestes, or the plural lestai) who will die with Jesus. If you want to find our place in the story of the crucifixion, look no further than Barabbas. Jesus took our place on a cross prepared for us so that we could go free.
Reflection & Prayer
For this reading plan we will be using a tool to guide our study of Scripture that’s called the S.O.A.P. Method. It stands for Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer. We recommend you use a journal with this method and write out your thoughts on each of these areas for each day of reading. It doesn’t have to be long-winded and you don’t need a fancy journal. But for anyone that has not journaled before, the benefit is that it often helps us focus and avoid distractions during prayer and Bible study.
S.O.A.P. Method
Scripture - Pick a verse or two that stood out to you and write it in your journal. Be looking for a “Holy Spirit Highlight.” What did you read and think “I needed to hear that” or felt like it was written just for you?
Observation - Now write some observations about the verse(s) or passage. What is this passage or verse saying? About God? About people? How is Jesus revealed in these verses?
Application - Now write a few sentences on how this passage applies to your life. Is there truth about God that you are to believe? A promise to receive? Is the Holy Spirit convicting you of something you need to do or stop doing in light of God’s truth?
Prayer - Now write out a prayer to God in response to this Scripture. This is a way to turn God’s Word to you back to Him. Be honest and express your heart to Him. God always listens and He delights in your prayers. (Psalm 34:15; Proverbs 15:8)
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