The Great Exchange

And Pilate again said to them, “Then what shall I do with the man you call the King of the Jews?” And they cried out, “Crucify him.” And Pilate said to them, “Why, what evil has he done?” But they shouted all the more, “Crucify him.” So Pilate, wishing to satisfy the crowd, released for them Barabbas, and having scourged Jesus, he delivered him to be crucified. Mark 15:12-15

How do you know you can trust Jesus Christ? How do you know, in times of difficulty, times of trouble, in times of uncertainty; how do you know you can trust him? How can you know that you can trust him with your life, and the lives of your family and friends? How do you know?

In the above passage, there are two people on display. Jesus – who is totally innocent and blameless, not only before God, but even before the Roman authority. Jesus – standing there as one who has done countless miracles for the very people condemning him to death. Jesus – the one who has given life to those who would trust him is standing there on display. Also on display, is Barabbas. In contrast to Jesus, Barabbas is one who has not given and restored life, but taken life as a murderer. Instead of love, he brings hate to his enemies. Instead of providing for those he leads, he steals from them. In other words, you have a picture of the absolute innocence of Christ, standing next to the absolute depravity of mankind. And the most profound thing that ever took place, was that the pure, blameless, and wonderful Christ willingly changed places with him. With you. With me.

Martin Luther rightly describes it as, “The Great Exchange.” Why can you trust him? Because he loved you so very much that, as he stood there in his perfection, he chose to exchange places with you. He chose to become sin for you and for me, and in return he gave to you and me his righteousness!

Dear friend, you can trust Jesus. He has already proved without a shadow of a doubt that he loves for, cares deeply, and yearns to be in relationship with you. Rejoice in and trust the Risen Lord, our Great God and Savior Jesus Christ!

Rejoice in Trouble

“And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives." Mark 14:26

At first glance, the above verse seems innocuous enough. Until you consider the context. Jesus Christ, knowing the cup of God’s wrath he was about to drink, responded to his Father in a remarkable way. With praise. How do you respond to difficulty? What is expressed from your life when faced with a cup that you would rather not drink from? At this point, many people would say, “In times of trouble you need to praise.” I know on our own, we can’t do that. We won’t do it. So how does this response come about? The only way for you and me to respond in a Christ like way to hardship and trouble, is not to try hard to praise, but is to first look to the One who did it for you. You see, it’s only when you see, that in that very moment, Jesus began to praise in your place. When you see that Jesus Christ lived the life you should have lived, and then took the death you deserved, can you be moved out of joy to worship even in difficulty. If you are one who is facing a cup that you would rather turn from, look to Jesus. He took a cup that was far worse. He took the cup of God’s wrath. He praised his Father in the face of it, all for you. If that doesn’t bring a smile to your face, and strength to your steps, and a song of thanksgiving to your heart, then pause and remember the depths He went for you. I pray that we are impressed with our Savior so much, that in the face of anything, we can respond to what He did with a song in our hearts, and strength in our steps!