Word Play

In this weekend's reading of Luke 23:1-32, we see an interesting play on words. Jesus took the place of Barabbas. Note the break down of that word--his name. "Bar" means "son of", like "Simon Bar-Jonah", which simply means "Simon the son of Jonah." "Abba" means "father." Now put it back together and what do you have? "Bar--abbas--"Son of Father". Sounds a little generic doesn't it? Now watch this. Jesus, the Son of His Heavenly Father, took the place for all the sons of human fathers--you and me. And thank God He did. Thank you Jesus for dying in my place. This is the Gospel: The Son of God becoming the Son of Man so that the sons of men can become sons of God! Hallelujah! What a Savior!