By Todd Carnes
On that first Easter morning 2,000 years ago, there were many people present who desperately needed a “do-over.” Peter, one of Jesus’ best friends, was back in his fishing boat lamenting how he could have been so cowardly when he denied even knowing Jesus on the night he was arrested. Pontius Pilate, the Roman Governor of Jerusalem, was still tormented by the look on Jesus’ face as he had Him mercilessly flogged and ultimately sent away to be crucified. Pilate had publicly washed his hands in front of the masses trying to prove he was not guilty of this murder, but that futile act had done nothing to remove the guilt. Then there was Barabbas, an insurrectionist and convicted murderer who was in the “right place at the right time” when he was fully pardoned by Pilate so that Jesus could be crucified in his place. By Easter morning the euphoria of his good fortune had worn off and he found himself in a graveyard contemplating how such a righteous man was brutally mocked and killed while he walked away scot-free.
On that very first Easter morning these three men, and many more, found themselves confused and distraught. Life had become dark and depressing and they all desperately needed a “do-over”, a reset that would somehow bring new hope into their lives. And this is exactly what God delivered when He resurrected Jesus from the grave. This display of God’s power solidified His great mercy towards sinful men. It also provided a pathway to new life and absolute forgiveness for a lying Peter, a cowardly Pilate, and a murderous Barabbas. Peter accepted this offer of forgiveness and it radically changed his life. As for Pilate and Barabbas, we must assume they contemplated the offer, but ultimately walked away and chose to live with the guilt, a truly tragic choice.
So, what about you? Have you contemplated the offer? It is still open today and it continues to radically transform the lives of those who humbly receive it. If you need to receive it, make this Easter season the one that brings to you new life and absolute forgiveness.
