Within the story of the crucifixion of our Lord and Savior Jesus, there is one character who is unique, and at a glance, it may appear that his story is insignificant because in this moment we are more concerned with what is happening to Jesus, no one else matters in this moment… or do they…
Mark 15:7 says, “And there was one named Barabbas, who was chained with his fellow rebels; they had committed murder in the rebellion.” John 18:40 further tells us that Barabbas was also a robber. This was a man who was vile, a sinner, and guilty of the charges that he faced and deserved the punishment that stood before him.
I think though of the moment that Jesus was being bound and led to Pilate (Mark 15:1) and the gathering crowd chanting “Crucify Him!” (Mark 15:13). I think of Barabbas in the moments before what he knows as his coming death, while sitting in his prison cell, bound in chains and shackles probably all he can hear is all this commotion and a seemingly growing and angry crowd shouting crucify him, he probably could only imagine that they were talking about him. For him Jesus had not came into the picture yet.
But now due to a custom before the Feast of Passover (Mark 15:6) The Roman Governor would “pardon” a criminal as an act of goodwill towards the Jews whom he governed.
In this custom every Passover the Jews could choose one prisoner to be set free. Pilate asked the Jewish leaders, “Whom do you want me to release to you? Barabbas, or Jesus who is called Christ?” (Matthew 27:17). He hoped they would choose Jesus. But they chose Barabbas! Pilate seems to have been surprised at the crowd’s insistence that Barabbas be set free instead of Jesus. Even making comments to how the charges were baseless (Luke 23:14). “But with loud shouts, they insistently demanded that he be crucified, and their shouts prevailed” (verse 23). With that, Pilate respected their choice and released Barabbas, and sent Jesus to be beaten and then crucified. (See Acts 27:26.)
The Bible is clear that, “for all have sinned and come short of the glory of God… and that the wages of sin is death” (Romans 3:23; 6:23).
The story of Barabbas is nothing less than remarkable when viewed as a parallel to the story of each and every believer. The fact is that we stood guilty before God, covered in sin, deserving punishment, deserving death. But, then through great mercy, Jesus was chosen to die in our stead (John 3:16). Truly, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life”.
Today, realize that Jesus stood in your place. You were guilty, a sinner, deserving death. But, God loved you enough to send Jesus to stand in your place. Will you believe in Him, will you make Jesus the Lord of your Life, admit that you are a sinner and confess that you need a Savior, asking Jesus who bore your sins to forgive you as He welcomes you in with open arms? You are Barbbas, I am Barbbas.
Blessings,
Pastor Jonathan W. Pannell III
Rev. Jonathan W. Pannell III 