In the story of Jesus before Pilate, we can see that Barabbas represents us. The Passover celebration commemorated the Jews’ release from Egyptian bondage. To develop a bit of goodwill, the Roman governor would allow the people to pick a prisoner to free during the season.
Matthew 27: 15 Now it was the governor’s custom each year during the Passover celebration to release one prisoner to the crowd—anyone they wanted. 16 This year there was a notorious prisoner, a man named Barabbas. 17 As the crowds gathered before Pilate’s house that morning, he asked them, “Which one do you want me to release to you—Barabbas, or Jesus who is called the Messiah?”[1]
The People’s Choice
Just a few days before, the people had welcomed Jesus into Jerusalem with palm branches. Now, they were asking for Jesus’ execution. What happened? First of all, this may have not been the same crowd. When Jesus was arrested, many followers went into hiding. Second, the Jewish leadership was determined to get rid of Jesus and may have planted those favorable to them in the crowd. Third, the Jews hated the Romans and may have just done the opposite of what Pilate wanted out of spite. Fourth, Barabbas, who seems to have led an uprising against Rome, may have been a folk hero because of this same hatred.
Yet, all the Gospels seem to point to the leaders being more guilty than the people. There was a clear choice: Barabbas, a revolutionary, or Jesus, the spiritual king. The crowd chose Barabbas. Even today, some people choose secular power over the salvation that Jesus offers.
The Guilty Went Free
Barabbas was awaiting execution for his crimes and had no way out of his predicament. Jesus was innocent, and evil forces moved against Him to kill Him. Barabbas went free because of Jesus. Some early manuscripts say his name was “Jesus Barabbas,” which is quite possible because Jesus was a common name. The name “Barabbas” means “son of the father,” which was Jesus’ position with God. [2]
We, like Barabbas, are guilty and have no way out of our situation. Sin has broken our relationship with God. But God turned the situation into good. Just as Jesus exchanged places with Barabbas, He does the same with us. He willingly died to pay the blood price for our sin. Now, we go free and become sons and daughters of our Heavenly Father.
All this took place during the Passover season, a season that celebrated freedom from slavery. We can celebrate that Jesus has set us free from sin, death, and the devil. This victory began at the cross and will be complete when Jesus returns. But we must be willing to follow Jesus and receive the gift of salvation that He won for us.
To learn how Barabbas represents us, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/a-self-serving-trial
[1] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Mt 27:15–17). Tyndale House Publishers.
[2] Barton, B. B. (1996). Matthew (p. 548). Tyndale House Publishers.