What does Barabbas's release teach about God's plan for redemption through Jesus? Setting the Scene—John 18:40 “Then they shouted back, ‘Not this man, but Barabbas!’ Now Barabbas was an insurrectionist.” Who Was Barabbas? - Identified in all four Gospels as a notorious prisoner (Matthew 27:16), robber (John 18:40), murderer and insurrectionist (Mark 15:7; Luke 23:19). - Clearly guilty under Roman law and Jewish morality. - Represents the condemned sinner—his name (“son of the father”) ironically mirrors Jesus, the true Son of the Father. Barabbas and the Portrait of Human Guilt - His crimes picture humanity’s revolt against God (Romans 3:10–18). - The crowd’s choice exposes the fallen heart that prefers darkness to light (John 3:19). - By law Barabbas deserves death; by mercy he walks free. Scripture treats this exchange as historical fact, anchoring the lesson in real time and space. Jesus, the Innocent Substitute - Pilate three times declares Jesus innocent (John 18:38; 19:4, 6). - Isaiah 53:5–6 foretells the righteous Servant bearing others’ iniquity. - 1 Peter 3:18: “For Christ also suffered once for sins, the Righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God.” - Jesus literally takes the place prepared for a proven criminal, prefiguring the cross where He takes the place of every sinner who believes. Prophecies Fulfilled in the Exchange - The Passover custom (John 18:39) echoes Exodus 12: a substitute lamb spares the guilty. - Psalm 69:4 (“Those who hate me without cause are more than the hairs of my head”) finds fulfillment in the crowd’s unjust cry. - Isaiah 53:3–4: the Servant is despised and rejected while the guilty are released. God’s Sovereign Hand Behind Pilate’s Choice - Acts 2:23—Jesus delivered up “by God’s set plan and foreknowledge.” - Human authorities make free choices; God weaves those choices into His redemptive design. - The release of Barabbas is no accident; it showcases divine purpose exactly when events appear most chaotic. Lessons on Redemption • Substitution: The innocent suffers so the guilty can go free (2 Corinthians 5:21). • Grace over merit: Barabbas contributes nothing—salvation is wholly unearned (Ephesians 2:8–9). • Universal offer: If a violent rebel can be spared, no sinner is beyond the reach of Christ’s atonement (1 Timothy 1:15). • Public demonstration: The exchange happened before a crowd, proclaiming the gospel’s core truth in unmistakable drama (Romans 3:25–26). • Finality: Barabbas walks out of prison once; Jesus’ sacrifice is “once for all” (Hebrews 10:10), securing eternal release for those who trust Him. Living in the Light of the Exchange - Rejoice—your pardon rests on Christ’s finished work, not personal worthiness (Romans 5:8). - Walk free—sin’s penalty is paid, so abandon the chains Jesus already bore (Galatians 5:1). - Proclaim—share the story of the Substitute who traded places with you, just as He did with Barabbas (Acts 1:8). |
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