All four Gospels record the crowd’s choice of Barabbas over Jesus. John simply states, “Pilate said to Him, “What is truth?” And when he had said this, he went out again to the Jews and said to them, “I find no guilt in Him. “But you have a custom that I release someone for you at the Passover; do you wish then that I release for you the King of the Jews?” So they cried out again, saying, “Not this Man, but Barabbas.” Now Barabbas was a robber.” (John 18:38–40, NASB95)
We know little about Barabbas. Matthew calls him notorious, while Luke and Mark link him with insurrection and murder. In many ways, Barabbas is an “everyman,” a representation of the whole of humanity. Even his name, “son of the father,” leans in that direction.
There is also a connection between Barabbas and the scapegoat of Leviticus 16:5-10. As part of the sin offering, the priest would present two goats. Lots would be used to determine which would be sacrificed and which would be set free to wander in the wilderness. But while there is an overlap with the events of Pilate’s court, it is not 100%. Jesus and Barabbas were not equals. Neither were lots cast to determine which was to become the scapegoat. The one strong connection is that one died so the other could live.
That observation, one died so the other could live, is the essence of Christ’s Good News. We are all Barabbas. Our sins and their punishment fell on Christ instead of us. Our only role in God’s saving grace is to accept it and receive it. Barabbas did nothing and said nothing to secure his freedom. Whether Barabbas changed his life after his release is unknown to history.
Pilate gave the final decision to the Jewish leaders and crowd to choose between the “King of the Jews,” which Pilate judged to be without guilt, or a proven insurrectionist, murderer, and thief. Over the past 2000 years, some have taken their choice and used it to fuel antisemitism. That is plain wrong. Paul wrote, “From the standpoint of the gospel they are enemies for your sake, but from the standpoint of God’s choice they are beloved for the sake of the fathers.” (Romans 11:28, NASB95) The Jews didn’t kill Jesus; our sin did.
Similarly, the choice Pilate laid before the people is also given to us. Whom do you choose? The choices we make matter. Do we choose Christ or Barabbas? Do we choose to follow our King or seek our own way? Do we choose insurrection or trust God’s rule and reign?
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