Old Testament reading: Job 11-14
Job’s friend Zophar continues to defend God by incriminating Job. Zophar’s rebuke is especially presumptuous and personal: “Know that God exacts from you less than your iniquity deserves” (11:6). Such a statement demands a knowledge that God alone possesses. Another statement of interest is seen in Job’s response: “But you forgers of lies, you are all worthless physicians. Oh that you would be silent and that would be your wisdom!” (13:4-5). They had sat in compassionate silence with Job for seven days, but when they opened their mouths, they ceased to be comforters. Moreover, their “wisdom” was in fact not only foolishness, but it added insult to Job’s injury. Sometimes it is best just to be silent and sit and weep with those who are hurting. When we open our mouths, we risk ceasing to be comforters and becoming tormentors. In this case, Job did not equate their silence with comfort, but rather with wisdom. In other words, it’s sometimes best (and wise) to keep one’s mouth shut!
New Testament reading: Matthew 27-28
“Then he released Barabbas to them, and when he had scourged Jesus. He delivered Him to be crucified” (Matt 27:26). Some ancient manuscripts have Barabbas’ name as “Jesus Barabbas.” Though not appearing in many translations, this may explain why Pilate made a distinction between the Lord Jesus and Barabbas, calling the Lord Jesus “Jesus who is called Christ” (27:17). Even if the addition of the name “Jesus” to Barabbas’ name is not accurate, the name Barabbas still presents us with an interesting contrast. The name “Barabbas” means “son of the father.” So, regardless of which name is used, there are two sons of their father presented to the multitude. It is with abhorrence and joy that we see Barabbas released to the crowd. Abhorrence because such a vile and nefarious sinner is released instead of the Son of God, and this in concert with the wishes of the crowd. Joy because in delivering up the Lord Jesus to crucifixion, we have the hope of remission of sins. Of this scene, Wendell Winkler said, “It wasn’t Barabbas who was released; it was Wendell Winkler.” The same may be said by each one of us. The liberation of an insurrectionist and murderer led to the liberation of me from my sins.
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