While at church last night, going over parts of Good Friday and Easter Morning services, a friend mentioned something that she had heard that she had never thought of before, and that floored her.  On a radio program, the host said that while Jesus died on the cross for everyone's sins, the first person that He really died for was Barabbas--the man whose place He took on the cross.  
The word bar in Hebrew means "son of."  The word "Abba" in Hebrew means "father." So, in essence, the Son of the Father died for the sins of the "son of the father."  I wonder if Barabbas ever truly understood the enormity of what Jesus choose to do for him?   Or, I wonder if, like so many of us, he didn't care that even though he was guilty of sin, another took the punishment for those sins instead. 
Christ died for everyone--those who will thank Him for what He did, and those who will never care.  This Holy Week, I challenge you to reflect on just what He endured out of love for us. 

Today, a group of 3 women drove an hour and a half---all of the way from the Long Lake/Blue Mountain region---to help serve lunch here at The Open Door.  One and a half hours each way.  That is a round trip of 3 hours that these women made to be able to fulfil  the mandate of Matthew 25:40 that states, "As you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me."  Joining them were two other ladies who have been serving regularly for awhile---one lady who has shown up every Monday at lunchtime to serve for the past few years, and another who has shown up several times each work for the last 7 months.  Another few volunteers who have been helping almost every day for several years prepared sandwiches this morning for lower-income workers.  Another volunteer who has helped out for a year and a half made fresh tossed and fruit salads.  A student volunteer came in to roll plastic forks and spoons into napkins, several people dropped food off, and a few more called to have us pick up extra bagels and food that were left over from an event.  A few minutes ago, a Confirmation Class showed up with many Easter Baskets that they put together for our clients.
Our volunteer base is one of the biggest blessings that God has given us, working hand-in-hand with us to care for the people that He loves----everyone :-)