Barabbas

Matthew 27:15–26 NLT

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?” 20 Meanwhile, the leading priests and the elders persuaded the crowd to ask for Barabbas to be released and for Jesus to be put to death. 21 So the governor asked again, “Which of these two do you want me to release to you?” The crowd shouted back, “Barabbas!” 22 Pilate responded, “Then what should I do with Jesus who is called the Messiah?” They shouted back, “Crucify him!” 23 “Why?” Pilate demanded. “What crime has he committed?” But the mob roared even louder, “Crucify him!” 26 So Pilate released Barabbas to them. He ordered Jesus flogged with a lead-tipped whip, then turned him over to the Roman soldiers to be crucified.

Good evening, my name is Barabbas… I am a murderer, a troublemaker, an insurrectionist

I was called “a notorious prisoner.” because I was part of a rebellion in the city against the Roman authorities. According to the law, I was condemned to die. Guilty as charged!

However, there was a custom every Passover that the Jews could choose one prisoner to be set free. Pilate asked the Jewish leaders, “Whom do you want me to release to you? Barabbas, or Jesus who is called Christ?”

Pilate hoped that the people would choose Jesus. But they chose me, Barabbas!

Yes! Another sting to the Romans! The Romans tried to take me down, but they couldn’t take me out!

That was the best day of my life… I was condemned to die but then set free. This man named Jesus Christ took my place. He payed the penalty that should have been mine to pay. I was guilty as charged but this man was innocent.

I was trying to be the savior of the Jews by taking part in a physical rebellion against the Roman authorities.

But, Jesus the real savior, didn’t argue about this injustice. He was willing to die on a cross so that all humanity could have the opportunity to be set free from the bondage to sin.

They sent Jesus to be beaten and then crucified.

Jesus came to set me free… a robber, murderer and rebel condemned to die.

It wasn’t the crowd who set me free, it was really Jesus who set me free.

As Barabbas, I represent all of humanity.

The truth is, all of us are guilty of sin. The Bible says that, “the wages of sin is death.” We cannot save ourselves. We cannot find freedom by our own works like I tried to do.

“Our own righteousness is like filthy rags.”

What Jesus did for me, HE did for you as well.

In the moment of the crucifixion of Jesus, I saw my need for salvation and freedom from the Romans, but not from sin.

I tried to redeem my people in my own strength, but I failed.

Don’t repeat the same mistake I made by trying to save yourselves by your own power.

Just like the Jews were given an opportunity to choose between Jesus and Barabbas, we too have to make a choice.

Are we going to be for or against Jesus?

Will we choose to find freedom on our own strength?

OR, will we rely on the power of Jesus, the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world?

Thank you for listening.