Scapegoat

             On that fateful Friday morning, Pilate was faced with a quandary. The Jews had charged Christ with various crimes against the Roman government but as Pilate questioned Him, he found no basis for the charges much less an execution.  On top of that, Pilate’s wife warned him not “to have anything to do with that innocent man” (Matt. 27: 19b). 

            After repeatedly saying “I have found no grounds in Him for the death penalty” (Luke 23: 22b) and “I find no basis for a charge against Him” (John 18: 38b), he thought he had found a way out of this mess without creating an uproar among the people.  He was wrong!

            The Scripture indicates that some custom had been developed, probably as an opportunity to placate the Jewish people who hated the Romans.  The custom called for the release of a Jewish prisoner at Passover (Matthew 27: 15, Mark 15: 6, & John 18: 39).  At that moment, Barabbas became a major player in what was about to unfold.

            The Scripture tells us that Barabbas was an insurrectionist and a murderer.  He was probably a member of the Zealots, a revolutionary Jewish group.  Jewish revolts were not uncommon, and Rome made it a point to crush them quickly.  Barabbas was awaiting execution for his crimes.

            Pilate thought he had the perfect solution:  force the crowd to choose between an innocent man and a murderer.  Little did he know that the Jewish leaders had persuaded the crowd to pick the guilty man for release.  His efforts to change their minds only led to a greater uproar, so ultimately, he was forced to appease them by releasing Barabbas and crucifying Christ.

            Was Barabbas in a nearby prison when the crowds were shouting his name?  Did he hear them and think that they were shouting for his immediate death?  Was he surprised when he learned that they had shouted for his pardon?  Did he know who Jesus was?  Surely, he had heard of Jesus and His ministry over the last three years?  Did he wonder what Christ could have possibly done that would be worse than his own actions?  When he was released, did he get out of town as fast as he could, or did he stay behind to see what would happen to the innocent Rabbi?  Was he at the crucifixion?  Did he realize that Christ took his place on that cross?  Did that realization change his life?

            We don’t know the answers to any of those questions, but we do know this: Christ not only took Barabbas’ place, He also took our place.  We are no more innocent than Barabbas.  It was our sins that nailed Jesus to that cross that day!  Jesus became the scapegoat, carrying the sins of the ungodly so that we might become the righteousness of God.  Jesus paid it all for us!

II Corinthians 5: 21

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