The story of Jesus and Barabbas is one of the most striking moments in the Bible, highlighting themes of injustice, sacrifice, and redemption. Found in all four Gospels (Matthew 27:15-26, Mark 15:6-15, Luke 23:13-25, and John 18:39-40), this event takes place during Jesus’ trial before Pontius Pilate.
In a dramatic decision, the crowd chooses to release Barabbas, a known criminal, while condemning Jesus, the innocent Son of God, to crucifixion. This exchange is a powerful symbol of grace and atonement, as Jesus takes the place of a sinner-just as He does for all humanity.
1. Who Was Barabbas?
A Notorious Criminal
Barabbas is described as a notorious prisoner who was involved in rebellion and murder (Mark 15:7, Luke 23:19). He was likely a member of a group that sought to overthrow Roman rule in Judea.
During that time, Rome ruled over the Jewish people, and many Jews despised Roman authority. Some rebels took violent action, hoping to gain freedom. Barabbas may have been one of these violent revolutionaries, making him popular among certain Jewish groups.
His Name and Meaning
The name Barabbas comes from Aramaic, meaning “son of the father” (Bar = son, Abba = father). Interestingly, some ancient manuscripts refer to him as “Jesus Barabbas”, making the contrast between him and Jesus Christ even more striking.
2. Jesus Before Pilate
The Roman Governor’s Dilemma
After Jesus was arrested, He was brought before Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor of Judea. Pilate found no fault in Jesus but was pressured by the Jewish religious leaders to sentence Him to death.
According to Roman law, Pilate had the authority to release one prisoner during the Passover festival as a gesture of goodwill to the people (Matthew 27:15). Seizing this opportunity, he presented the crowd with a choice:
- Jesus, the sinless teacher and healer, accused of calling Himself the King of the Jews.
- Barabbas, a criminal who had committed murder and rebellion.
The Influence of the Chief Priests
Pilate likely believed that the people would choose Jesus. However, the chief priests and elders influenced the crowd, persuading them to demand Barabbas’ release (Matthew 27:20).
When Pilate asked what should be done with Jesus, the crowd shouted:
“Crucify Him!” (Matthew 27:22)
Pilate, seeing that a riot was about to start, washed his hands before the people and said:
‘I am innocent of this man’s blood. It is your responsibility!’ (Matthew 27:24)
The crowd responded:
‘Let His blood be on us and on our children!’ (Matthew 27:25)
With that, Pilate released Barabbas and sentenced Jesus to death by crucifixion.
3. The Exchange: Barabbas Freed, Jesus Condemned
A Powerful Symbol of Substitution
The release of Barabbas and the condemnation of Jesus is a clear representation of substitutionary atonement. Jesus, the innocent Lamb of God, took the place of a guilty man, just as He took the place of sinners on the cross.
Barabbas was set free-not because of his innocence, but because Jesus took his punishment. This is the essence of the gospel message:
‘God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.’ (2 Corinthians 5:21)
Barabbas Represents Humanity
In many ways, Barabbas represents all of us. Like him, we are guilty and deserve punishment for our sins. But Jesus, in His love, took our place, giving us freedom and eternal life.
This moment shows that salvation is not earned; it is given by grace. Barabbas did nothing to deserve his release-just as we can do nothing to earn our salvation.
4. The Reactions to Jesus’ Condemnation
Pilate’s Reluctance
Pilate did not want to crucify Jesus, but he feared a political uprising. His decision was based on public pressure, rather than justice.
His actions serve as a warning about compromising truth to please others. Many people today, like Pilate, struggle between doing what is right and what is popular.
The Crowd’s Blindness
The same crowd that once shouted “Hosanna!” when Jesus entered Jerusalem (Matthew 21:9) now cried out for His death. They rejected their Savior, choosing a criminal instead.
This reflects how people can harden their hearts against God, even when faced with the truth.
The Chief Priests’ Hypocrisy
The religious leaders saw Jesus as a threat to their power. Instead of recognizing Him as the Messiah, they manipulated the situation to have Him killed.
This teaches us about the danger of pride, jealousy, and self-righteousness.
5. What Happened to Barabbas?
His Fate After Being Freed
The Bible does not tell us what happened to Barabbas after his release. Some believe he may have returned to a life of crime, while others think he might have been changed by what Jesus did for him.
If Barabbas understood that Jesus died in his place, it could have led him to repentance. However, we do not know for sure.
What we do know is that Jesus’ sacrifice was for all sinners, including Barabbas and everyone who accepts His gift of salvation.
6. Lessons from the Story of Jesus and Barabbas
1. Jesus Took Our Place
The central lesson of this story is that Jesus died in our place. Just as Barabbas was set free while Jesus was condemned, we are given forgiveness and eternal life through Christ’s sacrifice.
2. The Danger of Following the Crowd
The people who called for Jesus’ crucifixion were influenced by leaders with their own agendas. This teaches us to be careful about blindly following the majority, especially when it contradicts truth and righteousness.
3. Pilate’s Failure to Stand for Truth
Pilate knew Jesus was innocent but gave in to pressure and fear. This reminds us that we must stand for what is right, even when it is difficult.
4. Salvation is a Gift, Not Earned
Barabbas did nothing to deserve freedom-he received it as a gift. Likewise, salvation is not something we can earn through our deeds; it is freely given by God’s grace.
The story of Jesus and Barabbas is a profound moment in the Gospels, illustrating the power of grace and redemption. Barabbas, a guilty man, was freed while Jesus, the innocent Son of God, was condemned to die.
This event is a symbol of what Jesus did for all of us-taking our place so that we might have eternal life.
Today, we face the same choice as the people in Pilate’s court: Will we choose Jesus, the Savior, or reject Him for something else? The decision we make has eternal consequences.