One of the most vital responsibilities we have as believers is to deeply know Jesus Christ. This is not a light duty—it is the very foundation of our salvation. Without a true understanding of who Jesus is and what He has done, we cannot fully grasp our identity in Him, nor can we appreciate the grace we’ve been given. A lack of understanding leads many to despise this grace and ultimately to spiritual ruin.
“And until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.”
— Ephesians 4:13 (ESV)
Knowing Jesus Is Not Just Head Knowledge
The call to know Christ isn’t about knowing trivial details—like what He looked like, what food He liked, or how He styled His hair. No. We are called to know the position and role He holds in God’s eternal plan. The more we understand this, the more we will love and revere God.
No one has fully comprehended the magnitude of Christ’s role, but as we grow spiritually, that understanding increases. The more we know Jesus, the deeper our reverence becomes.
The Significance of Jesus’ Death: The Case of Barabbas
Let’s reflect on a striking event from the Gospels that reveals the depth of Christ’s sacrifice.
Before Jesus was crucified, Pontius Pilate presented a choice to the crowd: to release either Jesus or a notorious criminal named Barabbas—a murderer and rebel (Matthew 27:16). Barabbas was rightly imprisoned, awaiting execution for his crimes. Everyone agreed he deserved death.
But in a shocking turn of events, the people cried out, “Release Barabbas!” And so he was set free—while Jesus was condemned in his place.
“Now at the feast the governor was accustomed to release for the crowd any one prisoner whom they wanted… they had then a notorious prisoner called Barabbas… They all said, ‘Let him be crucified!’”
— Matthew 27:15-22 (ESV)
Imagine Barabbas, expecting death, only to be unexpectedly released. He must have been confused: “Why me? I’m guilty!” Yet standing nearby was Jesus, bloodied and silent, crowned with thorns, the true Innocent One. Barabbas walked away free because Jesus took his place.
This is not just a story from history—Barabbas represents you and me. We were guilty, deserving judgment, but Jesus took our punishment. He was mocked, beaten, and crucified so we could live.
“He was pierced for our transgressions; He was crushed for our iniquities; upon Him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and by His wounds we are healed.”
— Isaiah 53:5 (ESV)
Grace Is Not Cheap—It Cost Jesus Everything
Jesus didn’t just carry our sins like a bag on His back. He became sin for us.
“For our sake He made Him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.”
— 2 Corinthians 5:21 (ESV)
His humiliation raised our value. His rejection secured our acceptance. While Barabbas celebrated freedom, Jesus was scorned in his place.
Many today are unaware that the blessings they enjoy—life, breath, provision—are all because of Jesus Christ. Even those living in rebellion benefit from God’s grace made available through Christ.
Don’t Abuse the Grace of God
This grace we now enjoy will not last forever. A day is coming when the door of mercy will close, and the Church will be taken up (raptured). Then the Great Tribulation will begin—a time of God’s wrath upon the earth.
“Because you have kept my word… I will keep you from the hour of trial that is coming on the whole world.”
— Revelation 3:10 (ESV)
There will be no more preachers urging people to repent. Instead, judgment will pour out: rivers will turn to blood, incurable sores will strike mankind, and terrifying darkness will cover the earth. All these are described clearly in Revelation 16.
“They were scorched by the fierce heat, and they cursed the name of God who had power over these plagues.”
— Revelation 16:9 (ESV)
Do not think this is a fairy tale. Just as the world was shocked by COVID-19, these judgments will be far more severe. The sun will darken, the moon will turn to blood, and deadly plagues will strike the earth. There will be no safety, no hiding place.
A Stern Warning from Hebrews
“For if we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a fearful expectation of judgment…”
— Hebrews 10:26-27 (ESV)
“How much worse punishment, do you think, will be deserved by the one who has trampled underfoot the Son of God and has profaned the blood of the covenant?”
— Hebrews 10:29 (ESV)
Do not take this grace lightly. If you are not yet saved, the door of mercy is still open. But you must repent—not just feel sorry—but truly turn away from sin.
What Does It Mean to Repent?
To repent means to turn around. You abandon your sinful lifestyle and submit to Christ. This includes:
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Turning away from sin (Matthew 3:8)
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Being baptized in water in the name of Jesus (Acts 2:38)
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Receiving the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:9; Acts 2:4)
Do it with all your heart. Jesus is not just a figure in a story—He is our only hope of salvation.
Final Encouragement
If you’ve read this far, don’t just scroll or comment. Make a decision. Let this message stir your heart to change.
“Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts.”
— Hebrews 3:15 (ESV)
Jesus Christ is important—not only for the past, not just for the future, but for you right now.
May the Lord bless you and give you the courage to respond to His call.
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