In Matthew we read many things about the life of Jesus Christ.  As I have been reading and finishing the book of Matthew I am especially touched and humbled by the death and crucifixion of our Savior.  In Chapter 27 of Matthew we learn about how the priests took Jesus and “bound” him and took him to Pilate.  Pilate judged him and was willing to let him go.  We learn how intent the people were to get Jesus killed.  They even would rather have a murderer named Barabbas released than Jesus who was a lifesaver and miracle worker. 

I learned something incredible in my New Testament class this week about the name of Barabbas and some irony.  My teacher Dr. Holzapfel is so cool.  I learn so much from him every time I go to his class.  He taught us that if we brake up the name Barabbas to Bar-Abbas, it means “son of the father.”  Interesting to note that the decision was between “the son of father,” and “The Son of The Father” (Jesus Christ).  Very ironic that the people chose to reject the person who would save them, “The Son of The Father.”  They didn’t know this at the time, but the man they released would later help cause the destruction of their people.  He was a major contributor to the war breaking out in 66 AD.

As we read about the sufferings of Christ in Matthew I am very touched at how calm, quiet, and accepting Jesus is to the people who are doing these things to him.  We learn of whippings, slaps, spitting, thorn crowns, and even getting hit by a reed.  I can’t even imagine how heartless these people were to him.  My brothers and I have often gotten into fights and have hit each other with sticks and I know that it really hurts.  I am sure that the soldiers were hitting much harder than my brothers and I hit one-another.  I cringe to think about all these things the people did to him.

For me, this story continually pushes me to strive to be better at forgiving others for the stupid small things they do to me.  Jesus was forgiving people of what they were doing right there on the spot.  How amazing is that?  I love my savior.  What a great example of virtues that we all want.  I know he actually suffered all those things that are written in the scriptures.  I love that great man!

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