Barabbas was a criminal who had committed murder while participating in a rebellion (Mark 15:7,27). His crimes made him guilty under the Jewish, Roman, and divine laws. This triple criminal was caught and condemned. He was now only waiting for the execution of his sentence. Under the governing Romans, as a notable criminal, he would be put to death by crucifixion.

Both his being pronounced guilty by the judge and his upcoming punishment became true in his life's experience.

However, as Barabbas sat in prison, experiencing his misery, the Jews forced Pontius Pilate to crucify Jesus Christ. The sentencing of the innocent Jesus to crucifixion spoke the guilty Barabbas free. A message of deliverance was brought to Barabbas through the death of Jesus Christ. Can you imagine how Barabbas felt as he experienced this truth?

How does Barabbas picture us, as we are by nature? Before needing and experiencing deliverance, what must we learn? Why? How does this story relate to the experiential way in which a sinner comes to know the saving work of a Triune God?

Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, Who also maketh intercession for us.

- Romans 8:34

How are misery, deliverance, and thankfulness pictured in the following scriptural references? Psalm 40:2-3 He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings. And He hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the LORI). Psalm 50:15 And call upon Me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify Me. Mark 10:49-52 And Jesus stood still, and commanded him to be called. And they called the blind man, saying unto him, Be of good comfort, rise; He calleth thee. And he, casting away his garment, rose, and came to Jesus. And Jesus answered and said unto him, What wilt thou that I should do unto thee? The blind man said unto Him, Lord, that I might receive my sight. And Jesus said unto him, Go thy way; thy faith hath made thee whole. And immediately he received his sight, and followed Jesus in the way.

Can you mention other scriptural examples of the misery deliverance-thankfulness cycle?