They could have freed Jesus from crucifixion, but they chose Barrabus. The people welcomed Jesus into Jerusalem as their Messiah, someone who would free them from Roman oppression. But seeing him standing there under Roman guard, he didn’t look much like their champion anymore. Egged on by the religious leaders, they chose the freedom fighter Barrabus. He was a murderer and a thief, but he was also a man of war who fought against the Romans. More hope of him than this man preaching turn the other cheek. They had a choice, so do we.

When I moved to a new neighborhood, my son-in-law trimmed the trees in my yard for me. When he went to cut down a spindly tree in the bar ditch, a mom with several kids hurried over to ask him to stop. It seems this little tree is a mulberry and has berries on it in the summer. They didn’t care how it looked, they wanted those berries. So now I see children getting off the school bus and checking that tree fairly often. It may not add to the beauty of my yard, but what a little sacrifice to make them happy. Some things are just worth it.

My friend once saw herself hanging on a cross. Dream or vision, it was an image that touched her powerfully. It comes to mind that, indeed, as he took on the sins of the world, we all hung there with him. But, after this all-encompassing sacrifice by Jesus in our stead, I believe God sees us now as he saw his son at his baptism. “This is my son [daughter] whom I love; with him [her] I am well pleased.”  

My neighbors have a new baby, their first. She’s beautiful but she sleeps all day and keeps them awake at night. They’re both sleep deprived. When they told me, I commiserated about how that’s pretty normal with newborns, but I didn’t offer any advice. Although I know quite well how to handle that situation, I also know not to offer advice unless it is asked. I remember as a new mother I knew it all. I required people to disinfect their hands with alcohol before touching my first child, even my own mom! Needless to say, after one or two more little ones I lightened up.

When I needed some shelves painted in my guest room, the painters brought their own music with them. As they prepped the room for painting, I enjoyed the music too. Sometimes one would sing along and the others would join in. I’ve studied Spanish for years but still I’m not fluent. These guys talk fast and I only catch a few words now and then. But I do understand music makes these hard workers happy. And, I’m happy too as they sing, laugh and joke with one another. Music is like that.

Yes, he was a petty thief but Judas was also in a hurry. Why doesn’t Jesus get on with conquering the Romans and starting his kingdom? He had seen the miracles. He knew how powerful the Messiah was. What’s the delay? Jesus’ other disciples also had a wrong idea about what Jesus’ true purpose was on earth, but Judas thought he could manipulate Jesus by putting him on the spot. He couldn’t imagine the outcome. This made me think, how often have I been impatient in prayer? How often have I tried to manipulate Jesus?

The Scriptures say our prayers are like sweet incense to God. Our sins have odors too, but not good ones.  I would think the sin of pride has a distinctly foul odor. Pride is a sin that besets us all. Are any of us not walking around rather smelly when it comes to pride? As for me, I have caught myself being proud of my humility! When you think of yourself as more righteous than others, remember the Pharisees!

When we returned from a trip as a child, I would pretend to be asleep in the car so my daddy would have to carry me into the house. I loved the comforting feeling of his strong arms around me. If we were in unfamiliar or crowded places, I never felt afraid because he was holding my hand. I experience that same reassuring feeling now when I go to my heavenly Father. He’s always there for me, leading me by his hand and holding me safe in his arms.

Did Jesus’ disciples ever feel they had more common sense than Jesus? I think you know the answer. You can tell by their words and actions they thought their rabbi might be a little naïve in how he taught and how he acted toward others. Going the extra mile, turning the other cheek, forgiving and loving your enemies, it sounds nice but who does that! This is the real world we’re talking about. But before we throw stones, are we, his followers today, any different.

She was 11 years old, going to school in a small town with a lot of others her age. Her teachers didn’t notice how sad she was. Neither did her parents. She didn’t talk about the kids telling her that her parents would be picked up by the authorities and sent back to Mexico, leaving her behind. Or that she didn’t belong in this country and she should leave. She was just a little girl bullied by mean kids expressing what they probably heard at home. Nobody noticed until it was too late.