DEATH ROW

It was that time of year again. The Roman Governor, Pontius Pilate, would release a prisoner to the Jewish people during the Passover Feast. Although, this time, a known innocent man; and a thief, a murderer bound in chains stood at the mercy of the Jewish people. (Matthew 27:15-26; Mark 15:6-15)

The Son of God vs. the ‘son of the father’

How ironic is it, both men on Death Row were named Jesus? One was named Jesus Christ (Jesus), the other Jesus Barabbas (Barabbas). Funny thing is one was the Son of God, and the other prisoner's name meant ‘the son of the father’ in Aramaic. They were both son’s of God. One by blood and one by way of ancestral promise (The Lord’s Covenant with the Jews).

Barabbas was a member of the rebellious uprising. Barabbas’ rap sheet consisted of murder and theft (Matthew 27:16; Luke 23:19; Mark 15:7). Jesus’ rap sheet consisted of proclaiming to be who He was , the Son of God. The fulfillment of the very scriptures the Jewish people were taught and studied all their life (Isaiah 61:1; Luke 4:18).

The Exchange

Pilate did not want to give Jesus up. He thought, surely, the people would rather crucify Barabbas. They wouldn’t punish an innocent man. I'll let the people decide what to do with Jesus (Matthew 27:17). Yet, “He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief; and as one from whom men hide their faces, he was despised, and we esteemed him not.” (Isaiah 53:3). They disowned the Holy and Righteous One and asked for a murderer to be granted to them (Acts 3:14).

The Jewish leaders were fed up with Jesus. They had enough of the clout He was getting. The Jewish leaders didn't like the fact Jesus politely gave them the business all the time. He performed miracles and healed the sick on the Sabbath. Most of all, He proclaimed to be the Son of God (John 10:30-33). Jesus had to go!(Luke 23:18)

Proclaiming to be the Son of God was the biggest sin of them all. Warranting the death sentence, bringing us to the day Barabbas was given freedom in exchange for the life of Jesus. A foreshadowing of events to come.

I wonder if Barabbas knew he would be the first person Jesus’ life would be sacrificed in exchange for freedom. If Barabbas knew his release would paint a vivid picture of the forgiveness of sins? God's Son in exchange for the freedom of a son.

How does this relate to us?

Barabbas being set free and Jesus held to be crucified, is the ultimate sacrifice and display of how Jesus Christ of Nazareth literally has taken your place.

Like Barabbas, we were once on Death Row. Guilty of our sins. A lethal injection to our souls awaited our death. But Jesus chose to pay the price. Not with money, but with His life. No set bail price was too expensive for His decision to willingly give up His life. Just, that we may dwell in the house of the Lord after all is said and done. To be set free from the prison of darkness that swells from the anguish of gnashing of teeth and the stench of rotten flesh. A life for a life. How precious we must be in the eyes of God that He would save an evil stricken sinner like you and me.

It should have been us, but He, knowing His end took our place. No one put him on the cross. He willingly laid down on the cross for us. He took our deserving punishment and became the atonement for all our sins.

Sometimes I wonder if Barabbas realized it too, or was he just so focused on himself that he missed the whole thing?

Be Encouraged

God created me, just like He created you. The same love and grace He has for me are available to you. Just like Barabbas, you could have the worst rap sheet in the entire world, but God still wills you to be saved (I Timothy 2:4). Salvation is for all. No one is excluded, but it is a choice. A choice that can be made today. 

You do not have to wait to receive Jesus when your life is right. For who knows what right looks like except God Himself? If you believe you are just as bound as Barabbas, and would like to be set free, I invite you to accept Jesus in your heart. For whom the Son sets free is truly free indeed.

If you would like to accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, I invite you to go to the Gospel tab to understand a little bit about the Gospel. And why Jesus is the Good News by clicking HERE. After reading the Gospel, I invite you to say the prayer of Salvation by clicking HERE.

Until next time, I pray you will stay encouraged and know you have been set free from the prisonous hold sin had on you.