Passion Week – Who is Barabbas?

As that Thursday evening came to a close, Judas, representatives of the Chief Priests, and a detachment of Roman soldiers found Jesus and the disciples near the Mount of Olives.  After His arrest, Jesus endured an illegal trial by the Sanhedrin, which resulted in the inevitable verdict of “guilty.” Knowing that they could not legally put a man to death, the Religious Leaders, in the early morning hours of Friday, brought Him to Pilate to pronounce the death sentence. 

That brief hearing bore no resemblance to a trial, because the charges against Jesus were frivolous.  When Pilate asked about the charges, the response was simply, “If He weren’t a criminal, we wouldn’t be here” (John 18:30).  Pilate briefly interviewed Jesus, but ultimately concluded, “I find no basis for a charge against him” (John 18:38b NIV84).

Pilate offered to punish Jesus and let Him go, but that did not appease the crowd.  In one last effort to spare Jesus’ life, Pilate reminded them of his custom of releasing a prisoner in celebration of the Passover Feast.  Pilate gave them a choice between Jesus and a man named Barabbas, who had committed murder during an insurrectionist uprising (Mark 15:7).  To Pilate, it seemed like an obvious choice, but the people were adamant that he release Barabbas and crucify Christ. So, on that day, Barabbas, the one who was guilty of the charges against him, was released, and Jesus was sentenced to death. Jesus paid the price that Barabbas owed.

We are “Barabbas”.  We, too, are guilty.  Paul makes it clear that “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23 NIV84). The penalty for sin is death (Romans 6:23).  Barabbas didn’t deserve to be freed that day.  He deserved to be punished for his crimes.  We do not deserve eternal life; our sins have condemned us.  Yet, in His great mercy and grace, Jesus took our place, just as He did for Barabbas.  It wasn’t those Jewish leaders or those Roman officials who hung Him on that tree.  It was us!  It was our sins that drove the nails!  Thankfully, it was His love that held Him there!

Read: Mark 14:43 – 15:15 & John 18

Food for Thought:

• Have you ever considered who is to blame for Christ’s crucifixion?  Did you make the connection that we are ultimately responsible?
• Have you ever been unjustly accused of something?  Jesus remained silent.  How would you respond?

For one fictional perspective on Jesus’ appearance before Pilate, read Chapter 17 of The Shepherd’s Quest by Elaine C. Duncan, available on Amazon.