John 18:38b-40, Barabbas

38b After he had said this, he went back outside to the Jews and told them, “I find no guilt in him. 39 But you have a custom that I should release one man for you at the Passover. So do you want me to release to you the King of the Jews?” 40 They cried out again, “Not this man, but Barabbas!” Now Barabbas was a robber.

Surprise! Pilate finds no basis for the charge against Jesus. He is decidedly underwhelmed by the evidence presented. Then, in what he thinks is an astute move, he offers to release a Jewish prisoner, thinking it will be Jesus. This way he can get himself out of a tight situation. First, by releasing Jesus “the prisoner,” it makes it look like he really is a criminal. Second, he can give the people a voice over and above the biased and jealous priests. And third, Pilate does not need to sentence an innocent man to death. He must have been terrified by the crowd’s response to release Barabbas.

The name Barabbas means “son of abba” or “son of the father.” Jesus is the Son of the Father. So, “son of the father” is saved by the Son of the Father. In place of the true criminal Barabbas, the innocent Son of the Father dies as a scapegoat. Jesus dies that Barabbas may live.

When reading this passage, you and I should see ourselves playing the role of Barabbas. We are saved because in the justice of God’s punishment for our sins, Jesus takes our place. This is grace—the undeserved, unearned favor of God.

Father, thank you for setting Jesus between our sins and the punishment for our sins. Thank you that we, like Barabbas, are set free. Assist us as we walk in our new freedom, filling us with your Spirit to serve our Lord and Savior. Amen.