When we study the last few days of Jesus’ life, we seem to focus on Jesus. Rightly so; He is the Messiah and the centerpiece of all that led up to the once and for all sacrifice for sins. But when we are not looking at Jesus, we look at other significant game-changers in the historical events leading up to the cross. Men like Pilate, Peter, and Judas all garner up some attention. Nevertheless, it’s not very often we stop and think about the man, Barabbas. So, as we head into the weekend and live our lives on this good Friday, let’s look at this man and see what we can learn from him. 

Barabbas who?

Out of all the major players in the historical record of the last few days of Jesus’ life, Barabbas is one of the few found in all four of the gospels. During this time in Israel’s history, the people were sitting on the edge of their seats waiting for Jehovah to send the Savior. They were looking for a deliverer who would restore the people of God to their glory as found in the good ole days. They were searching for a man that would free them from Roman oppression and reign on David’s throne. With this historical context in mind, we can understand why many were rising up, taking on the challenge of the Roman government, only to fail and fall on their faces. The Bible does not tell us that Barabbas was one who rose up to challenge Rome himself. Still, we know that the New Testament authors describe him as a rebel, murderer, insurrectionist, and a notorious robber (Matthew 27:16; Mark 15:7; John 18:40). None of these descriptions give you a warm feeling that this fellow was anything but one nasty guy. Barabbas deserved to be a prisoner.

Where is Barabbas in the story?

In all the gospel accounts, we read how Pilate wanted to release Jesus because he could not see anything He had done wrong to deserve to be crucified or imprisoned. However, Pilate did not want another insurrection on his hands, so thinking he was out-smarting the people, he decided to give them a choice between two men: Jesus, our Lord, and Barabbas, their murderer. 

Everyone knew how dangerously evil Barabbas was, so it should have been an easy decision to free Jesus. But by the providence of God, that is not the way history played out. Instead, the crowd overwhelmingly cries out for Barabbas to be set free and for Jesus to be killed by crucifixion. Pilate gives in but with a caveat; he wants none of the blood guilt to be on his hands in this matter. Barabbas is no longer waiting on death row as he deserved but was now a free man who could go on with his life as he pleased. 

When I look in the mirror, do I see Barabbas?

When you read this narrative, it’s hard not to be introspective and see how much we are like Barabbas. The scriptures teach us that our hearts are wicked, and we seek evil at all times. We are or have been rebellious sinners who are notorious for rising up as insurrectionists against God and His commands. But that’s not all; we rob God of His glory and figuratively conjure up murderous thoughts in our hearts. In reality, we are just as evil and wicked as Barabbas and deserve just as much of a penalty that God would bring to anyone who sins. Our actual sins might not be as heinous as his, but our hearts are just as rebellious and sinful. Therefore, like Barabbas, we are or have been on death row, awaiting execution. ENTER: Jesus.

Can you believe Jesus took his place?

Jesus silently took Barabbas’ place, and He took ours too. Jesus should have been the man walking free, but it is the criminal whose sins are forgiven. Jesus died on the cross for all sin for all time, and Barabbases all over the world, like you and I, and throughout history benefit from that exchange and His sacrifice. It reminds me of the passage from Romans 5:6-10

For while we were still helpless, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. For one will hardly die for a righteous man; though perhaps for the good man someone would dare even to die. But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from the wrath of God through Him. For if while we were enemies, we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life.

That is the whole point of the cross. That is the whole point of Barabbas. That is the whole point of the gospel. 

Today, as you think about Jesus being arrested and questioned on Friday morning and then crucified and buried by Friday night, think about Barabbas too. Think about how you are just like him and how Jesus took your place so that you can be free!

Yes, I am Barabbas and in that I am thankful.

~ Alex