Barabbas
Scripture
15 Now it was the governor’s custom at the festival to release a prisoner chosen by the crowd. 16 At that time they had a well-known prisoner whose name was Jesus Barabbas. 17 So when the crowd had gathered, Pilate asked them, “Which one do you want me to release to you: Jesus Barabbas, or Jesus who is called the Messiah?” 18 For he knew it was out of self-interest that they had handed Jesus over to him.
19 While Pilate was sitting on the judge’s seat, his wife sent him this message: “Don’t have anything to do with that innocent man, for I have suffered a great deal today in a dream because of him.”
20 But the chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowd to ask for Barabbas and to have Jesus executed.
21 “Which of the two do you want me to release to you?” asked the governor.
“Barabbas,” they answered.
22 “What shall I do, then, with Jesus who is called the Messiah?” Pilate asked.
They all answered, “Crucify him!”
23 “Why? What crime has he committed?” asked Pilate.
But they shouted all the louder, “Crucify him!”
24 When Pilate saw that he was getting nowhere, but that instead an uproar was starting, he took water and washed his hands in front of the crowd. “I am innocent of this man’s blood,” he said. “It is your responsibility!”
25 All the people answered, “His blood is on us and on our children!”
26 Then he released Barabbas to them. But he had Jesus flogged, and handed him over to be crucified. (Matthew 27:15–26).
Reflection
It had become practice that the Roman governor would release a prisoner of the people’s choice at the Passover festival. Knowing that Jesus was innocent, Pilate had a way to deliver himself from the responsibility of condemning him. Although the chief priests and elders had accused Jesus, Pilate knew he was popular among the people and could use the custom to rescue him.
Pilate gave the crowd a choice between Barabbas, a known insurrectionist and murderer, and the one who was called the Messiah. He had not taken into account the influence the chief priests and elders had on the crowd; the people asked that Barabbas be pardoned.
From the account in John’s gospel we understand that Jesus watched and listened as the crowd shouted, “Crucify him!” He heard Pilate ask, “Why?” He heard the people looking at him shout all the louder, “Crucify him!” Jesus watched as Pilate washed his hands in front of them, released Barabbas, and handed him over for crucifixion.
Barabbas is mentioned only in the gospels, and the only things we are told about him are negative: he was a prisoner guilty of insurrection and murder. He deserved execution, but his freedom was paid for by an innocent substitute. Jesus took his place on Golgotha.
We might wonder what happened to Barabbas following his release. Perhaps he returned to his life of crime, ungratefully disregarding the gift he had been given. Maybe he mended his ways, went off to live an inconspicuous life, never really curious about the one whose life had been exchanged for his, and never able to tell others about him. But maybe, as Barabbas left prison, he chose to follow after Jesus, to learn who he was and witness what he did. Maybe his life was forever changed; he went on to join the fellowship of believers and proclaim the wonder of Jesus wherever he went.
Each of us is like Barabbas; we have broken God’s law—we, too, are guilty and deserved death. Jesus has laid down his life for us; we, too, have choices—let us commit ourselves to follow him, to continually grow in our understanding of who he is and what he has done. Let us eagerly share Jesus’ gift of salvation with everyone around us.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, while we were guilty in our rebellion and sin, thank you that you took our sin and shame and laid down your life for us. You died on the cross so we can be pardoned and set free forever. Help us to share with others of your great love. Amen
2024 Lenten Journey
Adrian Brown