Day 1: When Plans Go Sideways
Devotional
Life rarely follows our carefully crafted plans. Whether it’s a Monday morning commute disrupted by unexpected traffic or a major life event that catches us off guard, we often find ourselves navigating uncharted waters. These moments can leave us feeling frustrated, anxious, or even questioning God’s presence in our circumstances. Yet, these unexpected turns often become the very pathways through which God demonstrates His faithfulness and wisdom. Just as the crowd’s choice of Barabbas over Jesus seemed to derail God’s plan, it actually fulfilled His perfect purpose for salvation. When our plans crumble, God’s purposes prevail.
Bible Verse
“Now it was the governor’s custom at the festival to release a prisoner chosen by the crowd. At that time they had a well-known prisoner whose name was Jesus Barabbas.” – Matthew 27:15-16
Reflection Question
How do you typically respond when your plans don’t work out as expected? What might God be teaching you through these moments?
Quote
“Every Sunday we come to church and things don’t go as planned. Every Monday I get up and Things don’t go as planned. And every Tuesday when I get up, things don’t go planned because life just doesn’t go the way we think it should.”
Prayer
Lord, help me trust Your perfect plan even when life takes unexpected turns. Give me the faith to see Your hand at work in every circumstance. Amen.
Day 2: Standing Against the Crowd
Devotional
Following Jesus often means walking a different path than the majority. The crowd chose Barabbas over Jesus, demonstrating how popular opinion doesn’t always align with God’s truth. In our own lives, we frequently face situations where following Christ requires us to make choices that others might not understand or support. This journey isn’t about winning popularity contests or seeking others’ approval – it’s about remaining faithful to God’s calling on our lives, even when it means standing alone.
Bible Verse
“Go out to the roads and country lanes and compel them to come in, so that my house will be full.” – Luke 14:23
Reflection Question
In what areas of your life might God be calling you to take a stand that differs from the crowd’s expectations?
Quote
“If you’re gonna really do what God wants you to do in your life, you’re going to have to figure out that generally it’s going to be opposite of what the crowd does.”
Prayer
Father, grant me the courage to follow You faithfully, even when it means going against the crowd. Help me find my identity and approval in You alone. Amen.
Day 3: Embracing God's Mercy
Devotional
Like Barabbas, we all stand guilty before God, deserving punishment for our sins. Yet through Jesus’s sacrifice, we receive something extraordinary – mercy. This isn’t about earning God’s favor or achieving perfection; it’s about accepting His incredible gift of grace. When we truly understand the magnitude of what Jesus did for us, it transforms how we view both ourselves and others. We’re all recipients of undeserved mercy, which should humble us and inspire us to extend that same mercy to others.
Bible Verse
“But Pilate asked them, ‘Why? What crime has he committed? But they shouted all the louder, ‘Crucify him!'” – Matthew 27:23
Reflection Question
How has understanding God’s mercy changed the way you view yourself and others?
Quote
“Grace is the unmerited favor of God. You didn’t do anything to do it. God just blesses you, right? But mercy is when you’re guilty and should be punished. But God let you off the hook because of what Jesus did on the cross.”
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your boundless mercy. Help me to live in the freedom of Your forgiveness and share that mercy with others. Amen.
Day 4: Living in Freedom
Devotional
The story of Barabbas reminds us that Jesus’s death wasn’t just about religious ritual – it was about setting prisoners free. When we accept Christ’s sacrifice, we’re released from the burden of our past sins and future failures. This freedom isn’t a license to sin but an invitation to live fully in God’s purpose. Jesus knows we aren’t perfect, yet His blood covers all our mistakes – past, present, and future. This truth should fill us with joy and peace, knowing we’re completely accepted and loved by God.
Bible Verse
“‘Which of the two do you want me to release to you?’ asked the governor. ‘Barabbas,’ they answered.” – Matthew 27:21
Reflection Question
How does knowing that Jesus’s blood covers all your sins impact how you live your daily life?
Quote
“Jesus knows you’re going to screw up. So what does the blood of Christ do? It covers all your sins, past, present and future. It’s not a license to sin, but is forgiveness for sin.”
Prayer
Jesus, thank You for the freedom You’ve given me through Your sacrifice. Help me live in that freedom while honoring You with my choices. Amen.
Day 5: Simple Salvation
Devotional
Sometimes we complicate what God has made simple. The path to salvation isn’t about perfect performance or complex religious rituals – it’s about accepting Jesus’s gift of grace. Just as Barabbas simply walked free because Jesus took his place, we too can experience freedom through Christ’s sacrifice. We don’t need to earn it or deserve it; we simply need to accept it. This beautiful simplicity of salvation is available to everyone, regardless of their past or present circumstances.
Bible Verse
“‘What shall I do, then, with Jesus who is called the Messiah?’ Pilate asked.” – Matthew 27:22
Reflection Question
In what ways might you be making your relationship with God more complicated than it needs to be?
Quote
“We try to make being right with Jesus so hard and Jesus tries to make it so easy.”
Prayer
Lord, thank You for making salvation so accessible. Help me embrace the simplicity of Your grace and share this good news with others. Amen.