Deuteronomy 30:19 AMP I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you today, that I have set before you life and death, the blessing and the curse; therefore, you shall choose life in order that you may live, you and your descendants, This was no coincidence, but instead pre-meditated by God the Father. To use the worst to bring out salvation for His creation, while demonstrating His love and value for men. Matthew 27:15-26 NKJV Now at the feast the governor was accustomed to releasing to the multitude one prisoner whom they wished. [16] And at that time they had a notorious prisoner called Barabbas. [17] Therefore, when they had gathered together, Pilate said to them, "Whom do you want me to release to you? Barabbas, or Jesus who is called Christ?" [18] For he knew that they had handed Him over because of envy. [19] While he was sitting on the judgment seat, his wife sent to him, saying, "Have nothing to do with that just Man, for I have suffered many things today in a dream because of Him." [20] But the chief priests and elders persuaded the multitudes that they should ask for Barabbas and destroy Jesus. [21] The governor answered and said to them, "Which of the two do you want me to release to you?" They said, "Barabbas!" [22] Pilate said to them, "What then shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ?" They all said to him, "Let Him be crucified!" [23] Then the governor said, "Why, what evil has He done?" But they cried out all the more, saying, "Let Him be crucified!" [24] When Pilate saw that he could not prevail at all, but rather that a tumult was rising, he took water and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, "I am innocent of the blood of this just Person. You see to it." [25] And all the people answered and said, "His blood be on us and on our children." [26] Then he released Barabbas to them; and when he had scourged Jesus, he delivered Him to be crucified. Barabbas was a Jewish rebel, murderer, and bandit (thief, robber, gang member).Notorious - famous or well-known for something bad, negative, or harmful. It describes people, places, or things that have a bad reputation. Christ took the place of a notorious prisoner, to redeem mankind. What happened to Barabbas explains why salvation is not found through works, but instead through the grace of God. Your value is not affected by; Past, baggage, behavior/actions, imperfections, struggles/weaknesses, failures, disappointments, negativities, etc… Jeremiah 29:10-11 NKJV For thus says the LORD: After seventy years are completed at Babylon, I will visit you and perform My good word toward you, and cause you to return to this place. [11] For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. The scripture shows us that in God’s view there is no evil, malice, harm, or intention to harm His children.
