At the time of Jesus’ arrest, it was customary that Pilate would pardon someone before the feast of the Passover. When Jesus was handed over to Pilate by the Jewish, religious leaders, the choice was to either pardon Barabbas or Jesus.
Before this pardon took place, there had been a rebellion or an insurrection against the Roman government. During this time period, the Jews hated being ruled by Romans, who were looked upon as heathens.The Jews did not like paying taxes to the Romans. They did not like their government, and they did not like their gods. Many of the Roman authorities also hated the Jews. I suppose some of the Jews felt like enough was enough and decided to rebel and riot. Well, during the rebellion, people were murdered. Mark 15:7 tells us that Barabbas was one of the rebels who murdered someone.
I am sure that Barabbas probably felt that what he did was justified because the Romans had it coming, but that landed him in prison. Some may have felt that Barabbas should not have been locked up because he was only doing what he felt was right. What people felt and even what Barabbas felt did not matter. He murdered, he broke the law and he was now a prisoner sentenced to die.
So, what happened? What was Pilate’s choice?
Jesus was a man without sin. He was and is perfect! Barabbas, truly deserving the punishment of a murderer, in the end, was free to go because Jesus, truly holy and righteous, took Barabbas’ place. Jesus, innocent, took on the punishment that was meant for guilty Barabbas.
The truth is, Jesus took on the punishment that was meant for all of us! The punishment for sin was death! He is the sacrificial lamb who died for all of our sins so that we may go free to live the way God originally intended us to live, as image bearers of Jesus Christ.
I am Barabbas, and I praise God that Jesus is the lamb who takes away the sin of the world!
By Dionya Kelley
Christ Fellowship