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Jesus in Prision


There are many elements of Christ's ministry, miracles, and passion that attracts our attention as believers. One part that sometimes is overlooked is when Jesus spent time in prison. The typical message that rises from Christ's stay in Caiaphas' cell bellow his Father-in-Law's house is that "Jesus suffered everything we shall suffer." This is true, for Immanuel's incarceration does give comfort for Christians around the world who are imprisoned for their faith. This is a top tier point if you will to the message behind Jesus' stay in jail.

The next symbolism that comes from Christ being help captive is that it is connected to the verse, "He came to set the captives free." (Luke 4:18, Isaiah 61:1). This verse is accurately tied to captivity of sin and the dark powers. It is a spiritual captivity, but Jesus being in a cell fulfills the literal captivity as well. There are many who must dwell in jail rightly or wrongly accused. The image of Jesus having suffered in the same setting so many find them brings comfort. But if we return to the spiritual lesson, we discover that Christ is actually giving us a clue to what will be done at Calvary on the cross.

Jesus being imprisoned symbolizes that He is imprisoned on our behalf. We have found tried and condemned under sin and the Law. But God in his love and mercy sent His Only Son and Himself to take our place in jail. Jesus spent time in a prison cell because it foretells that He shall free the captives and that He knows what it means to be captive, though He is innocent. This helps on two accounts; firstly for all believers in Christ it reminds us that we a set free by God and that He became captive in place of us; He took our punishment and gave us pardon. For those wrongful accused or incarcerated for their faith, it is picture of suffering. They can see that even God himself was wrongfully accused and sentenced to cell; and that they are fulfilling what Jesus said, "They persecuted me, so they shall persecute you." (). For these believers, it is fulfilling those words and following Christ's footsteps.

Christ's night in a cell also fulfills the symbolism of Joseph. Joseph was sold into slavery by his brothers; Jesus likewise is sold into slavery for his brothers (all that will and do believe, so He can save them). Joseph spent time in prison, Jesus spent time in prison. Joseph was threatened with execution for a crime He did not commit (involving Potiphar's Wife); Jesus is executed for crimes He did not commit (our sins). Joseph has the dreams and helps save Egypt from Famine; Jesus Christ is the Living Water and saves mankind from spiritual famine. Joseph became Tetrarch of Egypt (ruler), Jesus ascends to His Father and Becomes Ruler at His Father's Right Hand. There are many stories like Joseph's that actually foreshadow Christ and What He shall do. As I have been taught by my Matriarch Mother, "What happens in the physical in the Old Testament is fulfilled in the spiritual in the New Testament."

When I think of Christ in chains is stirs in me some emotion. The idea that He had to wear physical chains in order to cut my spiritual chains of sin on Good Friday. I think of how this is one of our Lord's sufferings that doesn't get much coverage and yet it has such significance and can help so many. There are thousands upon thousands of people in prison for crimes. These lost people Christ wore chains for and died on the cross for. They deserve pardon if only in the Spirit. If you have been incarcerated or are still, I encourage you to turn to Jesus Christ. He has spent time in jail and it was to save you from the gates and cell of hell. Your shame of being imprisoned can become a testimony of Christ's mercy for you!

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