In South Africa I received sports ministry training with my host. We were preparing to work as PE teachers at a local high school. During one of the lessons I was looking around (I am very ADD) and saw my friends bible opened to John 18. The only word I could see was Barabbas. I then felt compelled to read this familiar chapter. As I read this for another time and heard every year during holy week I related with the man Barabbas. I released that I was also Barabbas. Jesus took my place just like he took Barabbas’s place. Barabbas was a murder, a rebel he deserved to die, I sin every day, just as much as Barabbas (I promise I didn’t kill anyone) we all deserve the hard wood of the cross. Then you see Jesus take his place, he calls us beloved. He loves us so much it’s not even possible to fathom.
I sat in my chair with the bible lesson still going on, just sitting in awe of him. I felt the need to write Barabbas on my hand because I never wanted to forget what the lord has revealed to me. As I taxied back to our lovely log cabin I heard the Lord’s voice. He asked a simple question, “If Barabbas was permanently on your body, how would you explain to a non-believer who Barabbas is?” At first I said that easy, then I thought about it…. I would have to explain the crucifixion, the cross, the death of Jesus, the heart of the gospel. No way to sugar coating it. Just the bold truth that Jesus loves us so fearlessly that he died for us to live, that he died for you! Even if we turn away and we sin.
As you probably guessed I got a tattoo that says Barabbas on my arm. I am asked many times, “who is Barabbas?” and I get to share the gospel with all types of people. The thing that shocks people the most about the story about Barabbas is that he walked away not sharing what Jesus was did for him. We don’t know if he ever follows Jesus, but that’s why God choice Barabbas… Jesus died for him. A murder, a crook. He died for all whether we decided to follow him or not. That is the ultimate display of love.
The thing that I have learned on the race is that I’m not going to change anyone. I am not going to fill them with love. I’m not going to make them believe in God. I am here to share my life, and to love like the Father loves me. To answer the question I am often given,” Why I am so joyful and love so fearlessly? What gives my life purpose?” I get to share with them that it’s all God. We are the vessels, God dose the heart change.
