There is a person in the Gospels that we only meet at the time of Jesus being unfairly tried by the Roman government. However, this person perfectly describes us. His name is Barabbas. In Matthew 27, we learn that Barabbas was a notorious prisoner. He had tried to lead the overthrowing of the Roman government, and even killed someone. He was a person who deserved to die for his crimes, and he had been sentenced to die for them. However, Barabbas was about to get an unexpected second chance. The religious leaders had condemned Jesus, and brought Him to the Pilate. They brought Jesus to Pilate, because the Jews couldn’t put anyone to death. The Romans would have to do that. After speaking with Jesus, Pilate realized that Jesus hadn’t done anything deserving of death. Therefore, Pilate came up with what he thought was a good plan. Every year, he would release to the Jews one of their prisoners as a show of good faith. Pilate picked a man who could be considered the worst of the worst. Surely, they would choose to let Jesus go instead of this man. However, the people would have none of it. They shouted at the encouragement of the religious leaders to release Barabbas. In a very strange sort of way, Barabbas represents you and I.
Barabbas was a sinner, as are you and I. Romans 3:23 reminds us, “For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.” Barabbas deserved to die for His crimes, as do you and I. Romans 6:23a says, “For the wages of sin are death.” Yet, Jesus became the substitute for Barabbas, just as He did for you and I. While we may not see ourselves as Barabbas, the Bible clearly shows that we are. There is no division or distinction in sins. They are all sinful acts of rebellion against a holy God. They all deserve the same punishment, death, both physical and spiritual. Yet, in His love and because of His grace, Jesus took our guilt, shame, and punishment. He bore our sins on the cross. Because of this, we can go free from our deserved punishment, just like Barabbas did. Praise God for His salvation!
By His grace and for His glory,
Pastor Justin