The crowds were right: somebody needs to pay. We all want justice, and the craving for it is a righteous one. Sin cannot go unpunished, “for the wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23).
In Matthew 27 we read the account of Jesus and Barabbas, two men paraded before an angry crowd under the watchful eye of Pontius Pilate. A strange custom was unfolding; mob mentality was both judge and jury. Given the choice between two prisoners, the crowds got to decide who walked away a free man.
Barabbas was guilty, and no one was denying it. His crimes were “notorious,” widely known (Matthew 27:16). Jesus, on the other hand, was innocent. Still the crowds looked at Him and screamed, “Crucify him!” (v.22). They were not blind to Barabbas’s guilt—they simply failed to recognize their own. Spiritual blindness kept them from seeing how much they needed the Savior standing right in front of them.
“You denied the Holy and Righteous One
and asked to have a murderer released to you.
You killed the source of Life,
whom God raised from the dead;
we are witnesses of this” (Acts 3:14–15).
The crowds allowed the guilty man to walk in freedom. Is this ringing any bells? We are all Barabbas. All of us “have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). When it comes to sin, we’re guilty, notorious sinners who cannot stand against the holy scrutiny of God.
Though I’d love to read this passage and villainize Barabbas, I can’t, not really. He is the poster child for the good news, a symbol of the atonement Jesus made for us all. True, Barabbas was guilty, but there’s no use in pointing fingers. In one way or another, we are all guilty.
For soon after Jesus took Barabbas’s place before the crowds, He took our place at Calvary. This is the gospel! Jesus chose the cross. He walked toward it willingly so that the guilty—like Barabbas, like you, like me—could be spared the punishment we deserve and walk away in freedom.
I’m not that familiar with the book of Acts, so when I read Acts 3:1-16, I was in awe of Peter’s reference of Barabbas’ release and Christ’s crucifixion. Peter told the Israelite people how he felt and the told them the truth of Christ, the Son of God. It reminds me of how Jesus would go into the temple and take over and talk. Erin points out, “Spiritual blindness kept them from seeing how much they needed the Savior standing right in front of them.” I love how she goes on to write about how it was Jesus’ and ultimately God’s choice for Jesus to die on the cross for our sins. Christ died so that I/we might have eternal life and for this I am very grateful. Thank you Lord.
We’ve had essays about “bad guys” three days in a row.
Judas Iscariot – One of the 12. He knew Jesus intimately. Jesus gave him love and acceptance. Even as Jesus called him friend, Judas betrayed Him with a kiss.
Pilate – the quintessence of power and political authority, encumbered by fear of the loss of that power, to the point of giving in to bad choices. Pilate knew “of” Jesus. Pilate spent time with Jesus, and recognized there was no fault in Him. But when push came to shove…Pilate allowed an innocent man to be punished – an innocent man who was the Son of God.
Barabbas – truly a bad guy on a daily basis, on purpose – notorious murderer and thief, guilty. Barabbas made bad choice after bad choice, living a life exactly the opposite of Jesus. He may or may not have heard about Jesus. To him, Jesus may have simply been the guy who took his punishment.
All 3 of these men created by God on purpose.
All 3 of these men made choices.
Jesus loved and died for all 3.
We could add the woman at the well to the list, or the woman caught in adultery.
We could add every friend of Jesus who has turned away.
We could add every politician, administrator, or person of authority.
We could add every person who chooses evil over good on a regular basis.
We would be added to that list.
Romans 3:23 says that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.
All, have sinned. All, have a choice,… thanks to Jesus.
Jesus’s love and offer of redemption remains.
May we accept the love and redemption. May we live out the love and redemption.
Always and only because of Jesus. May He be glorified! Amen.
❤️
Wow Angie! Excellent way to put it in proper perspective! Thank you! ❤️
I use to read SRT and hurry off to start my day. Then one day I read the comments. Now I feel I only have a tiny piece if don’t read you ladies thoughts on it too. I love this group and your love for each other. Thank you for letting me be apart of God’s love here.
This is so true! The commentary and comments are where the meat is for me. I tend to read and not really take it in until I read these. So good! Thankful for you ladies who constantly comment.
Amen, Loved beyond measure, beyond our comprehension by a Holy God. Praise Jesus for his redemptive love that saves the lost. So thankful. Praying for you Angie, thankful you were not hurt more. Thank you Tina, it is Amazing all that God planned for our good and when we are caught in tough circumstances, He is still working it out. Hold tight to Jesus and see all He has for us.
I like the paradox of Pilate washing his hands to demonstrate how Jesus’ blood is not on him, marking his innocence, yet Jesus’ blood is the only thing that can purify us.
It was for freedom Christ has set us free!
Amen
Wow Tina! Your thoughts this morning really brought things home. You had me in tears too.