BARABBAS: (THE GUILTY MAN SET FREE)

BARABBAS: (THE GUILTY MAN SET FREE) Barabbas appears briefly in Scripture, but what happens in his story explains the Gospel in one living scene. You find him in Matthew 27, Mark 15, Luke 23, and John 18. Scripture calls him a robber, an insurrectionist, and a murderer. Mark 15:7 says he committed murder in the rebellion. The Greek word used in John 18:40 is lēstēs. That does not mean a petty thief. It refers to a violent criminal, often tied to revolt against Rome. Barabbas was not innocent. He was guilty of real bloodshed. His name is powerful. Bar means son. Abba means father. Barabbas literally means son of the father. Some ancient manuscripts of Matthew 27:16–17 even record his name as Jesus Barabbas. Let that settle in. Two men named Jesus stand before the crowd. One is called son of the father. The other is the true Son of the Father. Pontius Pilate presents the choice. Release Jesus who is called Christ, or release Barabbas. Pilate repeatedly declares Jesus innocent. The crowd, stirred by the religious leaders, shouts for Barabbas. Then they cry, Crucify Him. Barabbas walks free. Jesus goes to the cross. This is substitution in real time. The guilty man is released. The innocent man is condemned. That is not symbolism. That is the Gospel. Romans 5:8 says Christ died for us while we were still sinners. Second Corinthians 5:21 says He who knew no sin became sin for us. Barabbas represents every one of us. We rebelled against the rightful King. We committed treason in our sin. We deserved judgment. And yet the true Son of the Father takes our place. During Passover, a lamb was chosen. The innocent died so the guilty could live. In that same week, the crowd chooses the wrong Jesus, and God uses their wicked choice to accomplish redemption. Acts 2:23 says Jesus was delivered by the determined plan and foreknowledge of God. Nothing about this moment was accidental. Barabbas never speaks in Scripture. But his silence preaches loudly. He walked out of prison because Christ walked toward the cross. You are Barabbas. I am Barabbas. The only reason we walk free is because the true Son of the Father was crushed in our place. Isaiah 53:5 says He was wounded for our transgressions. That is grace. - More Joy Ministries - Tony Campbell #MoreJoyMinistries