Good morning! When we began reading the book of Matthew in June, I had no idea that we would be covering the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ so close to Easter (April 21, 2019), but here we are. As we cover the last two chapters in Matthew let us draw in on the details surrounding the cross – Jesus laying his life down for us and rising from the dead, defeating both sin and death.

²⁶ So Pilate released Barabbas to them. He ordered Jesus flogged with a lead-tipped whip, then turned him over to the Roman soldiers to be crucified. – Matthew 27:26 NLT

The crowd was willing to let a murderer be released among them instead of having Jesus continue to walk around healing the sick, giving sight to the blind, offering forgiveness of sins and teaching as well as living the word of God in their presence. I often wonder about Barabbas (the murderer) – what became of his life after his release from prison? Did he turn away from a life of crime? Was he ever told about Jesus taking his place (in more than one way)?

Brothers and sisters, we may or may not be murders, but our sins (“For everyone has sinned; we have all fallen short of God’s glorious standard.” Romans 3:23 NLT) were responsible for Jesus’ death on the cross. My question to you is, what became of your life after you accepted Christ Jesus into your life and he freed you from the prison/bondage that you were in? Have you turned away from your old sins/ways and embraced the fact that you are a new creation in Christ Jesus.

In 1 Peter 1:18-20 NRSV we read:

^“18 For you know that God paid a ransom to save you from the empty life you inherited from your ancestors. And it was not paid with mere gold or silver, which lose their value. ¹⁹ It was the precious blood of Christ, the sinless, spotless Lamb of God. ²⁰ God chose him as your ransom long before the world began, but now in these last days he has been revealed for your sake.”

Today, sisters and brothers as you know we are not guaranteed to live another minute, hour or through this day. However, you have an opportunity to secure your life for all eternity in Christ Jesus as the Lord and Savior of your life. Are you willing to accept Christ Jesus as your Lord and savior or recommit your life to Christ?

The Bible says, “If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by openly declaring your faith that you are saved.” Romans 10:9-10 NLT

If you believe this, pray with me:

“Father God, thank you for sending your son Jesus Christ to save us. Lord, we confess with our mouths and believe in our hearts that Jesus Christ is your son, and that he died on the cross that we may be forgiven and have eternal life. Father God, we believe Jesus rose from the dead and we ask you to come into our lives to be our Lord and Savior. Father God, we repent of our sins and because your word is true we confess that we are born again believers and cleansed by the blood of Jesus.” Amen.

If this is the first time you prayed this prayer, I want to welcome you to the family of God. I encourage you to get involved in your local Bible believing and teaching church to surround yourself with a healthy body of Christian believers. Also, send me an email so that a member of my team or I can connect with you. Email: contactus@maryewhiteministries.com

Father God, thank you for preparing a way for us to be reconciled to you. Lord, we thank you for opening our eyes to see you. Lord, your word says you are coming back again and we want to be ready for your return. Lord, forgive us of our sins and restore our relationship with you. Lord, prepare our hearts and minds to receive you. Lord, equip us to be faithful servants until the day you return. Lord, speak to us and guide us to use the gifts you have given us. Lord, we love and thank you for all that you have done for us. Lord, we pray for the people who are in the hospital and ask that you be with them. Lord, touch their bodies and heal them. Lord, bring the right doctors and guide them on which treatments to use. Lord, we lift up the lost, those who don’t know you and those who know you but do not have a personal relationship with you. Father God, we ask that you continue to work in their hearts and minds and transform their lives. Lord, teach us to love as you love in Jesus name, amen.

Keep seeking! Keep trusting! Keep praying!

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