In the darkness of the dungeon sits a man hard-beaten by life…alone with his thoughts…
One too many dead. Yeah, I killed one too many. Now…soon, I’m next.
And what am I dying for? Looking back, it was a foolish rebellion. It didn’t get us anywhere. My brothers are still oppressed. And no one will remember us…no one will remember our cause. Surely no one will ever remember me…executed by the mighty Romans. Caesar wins again.
Is anyone surprised?
Not me.
Oh, if I could live this life over. If I could have another chance. If I had never met the rebels as a foolish teenager. What my life could have been.
Would’ve. Could’ve. Should’ve.
I wonder how long I’ve got. It can’t be long now; I hear the bloodthirsty crowds shouting outside. And crucifixion awaits. Cruel, agonizing crucifixion. I’ve seen men writhing on the cross before. Torture is too weak a word. Now it’s my turn. And I deserve all the pain I will feel.
God.
Are you there? Stupid of me to try to speak to you if you are. But. Are you? If you are, well, I will see you soon. And I’ve heard the Jews say you are the merciful one. If so, how far does your mercy extend? Not to me…surely.
But if. If your mercy could extend to an ungodly one like me, if it could…oh, if it could, would you extend mercy to my soul? Would you? Would you?
Footsteps. They’re coming. This is it now. Steel yourself for the agony, man…
“Barabbas, on your feet…you’re being released….no, no joke. I know, I know, none of us can believe it either. But in the end it came down to you or the Nazarene carpenter. I guess you could say that his loss…is your gain.”
Monday, May 4: Mark 16
Entrusted with the Gospel 
Wenda Lehman
May 1, 2015 at 8:38 am
Good Friday . . . interestingly enough three of those you wouldn’t expect to get it . . . are insightful in this chapter.
Pilate knows Jesus is innocent and in verse 10 it says: For he perceived that it was out of envy that the chief priests had delivered him up.
The centurion vs 39 And when the centurion, who stood facing him, saw that in this way he breathed his last, he said, “Truly this man was the Son of God!”
And Joseph comes out of the spiritual closet . . . , 43 Joseph of Arimathea, a respected member of the council, who was also himself looking for the kingdom of God, took courage and went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus.
Also, sadly enough – his disciples are in hiding, John excepted (he is caring for Mary). Makes me think – bride of Christ – where are we in the kingdom awareness? Hiding or courageous and bold? . . . asking myself.
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