Barabbas Goes Free, So Do You

Chances are, you know something of the Easter story. An angry religious mob drags Jesus before Pontius Pilate demanding He be crucified and that the murderer, Barabbas, be set free. That's completely nuts, right? In fact, when you stop and think about it, this is the most outrageous exchange in history. A murderer — Barabbas — goes free. And Jesus, the healer, teacher, miracle-worker is condemned in his place. John 18:38-40 [Pontius Pilate] went out to the Jews again and told them, "I find no case against him. But you have a custom that I release someone for you at the Passover. Do you want me to release for you the King of the Jews?" They shouted in reply, "Not this man, but Barabbas!" Now Barabbas was a bandit. (NRSV) Jesus: innocent, beloved, sent from the Father. Barabbas: guilty, violent, known for rebellion. Jesus: flogged, mocked, crucified. Barabbas: let off, scot-free. But this wasn't just a political injustice — it was a divine substitution. And in that lies the true scandal of the Cross. The name Barabbas (bar-abba) means "son of the father". He walked free because Jesus, the true Son of the Father, went to the Cross. Do you get it? You are Barabbas. I am Barabbas. We're the ones who stand guilty as charged. We're the ones who rebelled. And Jesus, the One who knew no sin, took our place. Romans 5:8 While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (NRSV) It's hard to grasp. We deserve judgment. Jesus offers mercy. We walk free. He hangs on a cross. This is the heartbeat of the Gospel: Jesus didn't just die. He died instead. Instead of Barabbas. Instead of me. Instead of you. Barabbas went free because Jesus took his place. You go free because Jesus took yours. That's God's Word. Fresh … for you … today.