Sand Mountain Sermonette 44
Matthew 27:15,21,26; Romans 1:13
“Stock-Law Johnson”
“Now at the feast the governor was accustomed to release for the multitude any one prisoner whom they wanted…But the governor answered and said to them, ‘Which of the two do you want me to release for you?’ And they said, ‘Barabbas…Then he released Barabbas for them; but after having Jesus scourged, he delivered him to be crucified.” Matthew 27:15,21,26
My mother used to tell me of the story of a Mr. and Mrs. Johnson who walk the streets of Guntersville, Alabama, along with their goats, many, many years ago. It should be noted that in that day there were various “livestock laws” that governed cities and areas throughout the country. Also, there was a railroad that ran through my hometown of Albertville, and right on into Guntersville located about ten miles away and down Highway 431 south. Now, it was not uncommon for the railroad to spray the grass around the tracks with a poisonous spray to keep the grass at bay. In addition, the railroad posted signs at strategic locations warning folks of the dangers of letting pets eat the grass and of keeping them off the railroad tracks.
One day, several of Mr. Johnson’s goats ate some of the sprayed grass near the tracks and died. Afterwards, someone told him of an old “stock law” for city of Guntersville and challenged Mr. Johnson to take the Railroad to court; which he did! Later, during the trial, the judged asked Mr. Johnson if he had read the warning sign posted near the site where his goats had eaten the grass. Mr. Johnson replied, “Yes, I did, but my goats can’t read!” And you may not believe it, but as sure as I’m typing these words on the computer, the Judge said, “Mr. Johnson, you’ve won your case!” And mother said from that day, Mr. Johnson was known as “Stock-Law” Johnson all over Marshall County!
The Bible tells us the true meaning of the cross was experienced first and first-hand by the notorious criminal and murderer by the name of Barabbas. The moment governor Pilate consented with the crowd’s desire to free the guilty Barabbas (as was the custom to release a prisoner according to the crowd’s wishes at Passover time), a most wonderful thing happened in the predetermined plan of God to reconcile sinners to Himself! In releasing Barabbas and sentencing the innocent Son of God to death on a cross at the same time; the whole world was privy to the reality of the substitutionary death of Jesus Christ on the cross as full and sufficient payment for man’s sin against a holy, loving, and righteous God! But we, like Ol’ Barabbas and Mr. Johnson’s goats were ignorant of not having understood all the signs and fulfillment of the prophecies pointing us to the true Messiah who had come to deliver us from spiritual death and transfer us from the kingdom of darkness to the kingdom of the light of the Son whom the Father loves (See Romans 1:13).
I’m not sure, but I doubt if Barabbas was even present at the crucifixion, but that doesn’t change the fact that our Savior died for Barabbas and criminals like you and me as well. He did so, to declare us “Not guilty, cleansed, and set- free!” Rejoice, Christian! Jesus has won the victory! Court, closed! Walk out of your cell!
Pastor Louie