We Are Barabbas

This morning I’ve been meditating on a man known in the Bible as Barabbas. Barabbas was known as a bandit or someone that had been involved in riots. Probably in revolts in the Roman Empire. During these insurrections murders would occur whence most likely why Barabbas had been imprisoned and sentenced to die on the cross at Calvary.

However, according to three gospel accounts it was a custom of the Jews at Passover that the Roman Governor release one prisoner that had the sentence of death on his head.

After Jesus has been beaten and bruised for our iniquities the governor stands before the crowd preparing to release one person. The choices were between Barabbas or Jesus.

“Therefore when they were gathered together, Pilate said unto them, Whom will ye that I release unto you? Barabbas, or Jesus which is called Christ?”

‭‭Matt. 27:17‬ ‭KJV‬‬

The chief priests and Jews continued to scream out Barabbas! Release Barabbas! Barabbas is then released and set free while Jesus “DIES IN HIS PLACE”!

This morning the most beautiful picture is seen here at the cross. It’s here at the cross where Jesus took Barabbas’s Judgment. It’s here where Jesus Suffered in Barabbas’s stead!

Barabbas is a picture of all humanity. Because of Jesus’s death on the cross I’ve been set free. He took my punishment and by faith in His finished work we walk free from the wrath of God!

We are not looking forward to a judgment, but rather we look back at a judgment Jesus took on our behalf!

OH HOW HE LOVES US!