Matthew 27:15 NASB
Barabbas is a fascinating character who is mentioned in all four gospels. Barabbas meant the Son of Dad. In some regard, this could mean that Barabbas could represent any man. He had committed murder and was a notorious criminal, but he was also sort of a hero since he rebelled against Roman rule. He would’ve started that day thinking that he would be crucified on that middle cross. His only hope was the Passover pardon.
15At the festival the governor’s custom was to release to the crowd a prisoner they wanted. 16At that time they had a notorious prisoner called Barabbas.
17So when they had gathered together, Pilate said to them, “Who is it you want me to release for you — Barabbas, or Jesus who is called Christ?” 18For he knew it was because of envy that they had handed him over. 19While he was sitting on the judge’s bench, his wife sent word to him, “Have nothing to do with that righteous man, for today I’ve suffered terribly in a dream because of him.” 20The chief priests and the elders, however, persuaded the crowds to ask for Barabbas and to execute Jesus. 21The governor asked them, “Which of the two do you want me to release for you?”“Barabbas!” they answered. 22Pilate asked them, “What should I do then with Jesus, who is called Christ?” They all answered, “Crucify him!” 23Then he said, “Why? What has he done wrong?” But they kept shouting all the more, “Crucify him!” 24When Pilate saw that he was getting nowhere, but that a riot was starting instead, he took some water, washed his hands in front of the crowd, and said, “I am innocent of this man’s blood. See to it yourselves!” 25All the people answered, “His blood be on us and on our children!” 26 Then he released Barabbas to them and, after having Jesus flogged, handed him over to be crucified.
From Barabbas’ perspective, it was a miracle that he was pardoned. While we don’t know what happened to Barabbas after his pardon, we do know that it was important to mention him because all four of the gospel writers, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, mentioned Barabbas. So, we have to ask the question “why”?
- The story of Barabbas underscores the innocence of Jesus.
There were two trials of Jesus – a Jewish trial and a Roman trial. Under the Jewish trial, Jesus was condemned for saying He was the Messiah – which in that day, under Jewish law would have been blasphemy. Under Roman trial, they accused Jesus of saying that He was the next Roman king, which would’ve been treason. Jesus was accused of rebelling against Roman rule and setting himself up as a Roman king. This was a mob response motivated by politics and the envy of religious leaders. The crowd released a career criminal in exchange for Jesus.
1. Barabbas illuminates the character of Pilate.
Pilate tried to go against what he knew was wrong, but he didn’t. He could’ve chosen to release Jesus. However, he was weak-willed and gave in to the will of the crowd. Historically, Pilate was known as a poor political leader and was soon removed from office.
2. The story of Barabbas is the story of the gospel.
Barabbas was guilty. He was a traitor against the highest human authority on earth at that time. He deserved what was coming to him, but instead he went free because an innocent man died in his place. What happened on earth was a reflection of what was happening in heaven. This is the greatest example of penal substitution.
When Adam and Eve sinned, God used animal skin to cover them. When Abraham went to sacrifice Isaac, God provided the substitute of a ram in the thicket. The Passover lamb was slain in the place of the firstborn for all of Israel. The angel of death didn’t kill the firstborn because of the blood that was on the doorpost.
Animal sacrifices in the Old Testament were in place so that the animal died in the place of the worshiper. So, what happened here was one final illustration, where Barabbas was exchanged for Jesus, a perfect sacrifice.
God himself in human flesh came to take the place of every man and woman. We are as guilty as Barabbas because we have all rebelled against God. What happened to Barabbas on a physical level, has happened to all of us on an eternal level.
God’s justice and righteousness demand that everything that comes against His pure, holy, righteous nature receive the wrath of God. If life was fair, we would all be worthy of death. Jesus switched places with us. He took our guilt, and bore the wrath we deserve. He gave us the gift of His righteousness. He took the dirty clothing of our sin and gave us His clean, white robe of righteousness. Jesus is the True Son that was sacrificed in almost the same place where Isaac would’ve died in Genesis.
3. If you are not a follower of Jesus, be encouraged to repent and believe.
Everyone who repents for rebelling against God can receive salvation, is forgiven, and will receive an eternity of worshiping and glorifying God. What does this mean for us today? The Bible warns us to turn away from rebellion and turn to God. It’s important to recognize how awful our sin is and that we can’t save ourselves. We need the mercy of Jesus.
4. If you are a believer, this story should have an impact on you.
This story should humble us and shatter any thought of our own self-righteousness. God didn’t come looking to save you because you were so good and righteous.
We should all cultivate a lifestyle where we constantly deny ourselves and destroy our pride. When we think about God’s mercy, we should have a holy hatred for our sin. It was our sins that nailed Jesus to the cross. This story should stir us up to a deeper love for the one who paid the highest price to save us . This is the key to the Christian life.
