Taking His Place

Taking His Place

Matthew 27:15-21, NLT

Now it was the governor’s custom each year during the Passover celebration to release one prisoner to the crowd—anyone they wanted. 16This year there was a notorious prisoner, a man named Barabbas. 17As the crowds gathered before Pilate’s house that morning, he asked them, “Which one do you want me to release to you—Barabbas, or Jesus who is called the Messiah?” 18(He knew very well that the religious leaders had arrested Jesus out of envy.) 19Just then, as Pilate was sitting on the judgment seat, his wife sent him this message: “Leave that innocent man alone. I suffered through a terrible nightmare about him last night.” 20Meanwhile, the leading priests and the elders persuaded the crowd to ask for Barabbas to be released and for Jesus to be put to death. 21So the governor asked again, “Which of these two do you want me to release to you?” The crowd shouted back, “Barabbas!”

Setting the Scene

Either as an effort to improve relations with the people or to help cover his many wrongful acts, Pilate had established the custom of releasing any prisoner the people requested. Whatever his motivation, this was a small act of mercy from the Roman overseer.

Barabbas had taken part in a rebellion against the Roman government. He had been convicted of murder and was awaiting execution. Ironically, Barabbas was guilty of the crime of which Jesus was accused. Some early manuscripts say his name was “Jesus Barabbas,” which is quite possible because Jesus was a common name. The name “Barabbas” means “son of the father,” which, of course, is Jesus’ position with his Father.

Pilate really wanted to release Jesus. Even Pilate’s wife had urged him to let Jesus go. Pilate must have felt the pressure of the situation because he put himself in the position of bargaining with the crowd. He had the authority to let Jesus go and then get on with his day; instead, he appealed to them again but to no avail. They wanted Jesus crucified. So Pilate gave in to the crowd and released Barabbas.

Getting Personal

What do you imagine Barabbas felt and thought about Jesus, the one who died in his place?

What does it mean to you that Christ died in your place?

Faced with a clear choice, the people chose Barabbas, a revolutionary and murderer, over the Son of God. Faced with the same choice today, people are still choosing “Barabbas.” They would rather have the tangible force of human power than the salvation offered by the Son of God.

Although his name means “son of the father,” Barabbas could have been anybody’s son; thus he represents all sinners. Barabbas, son of an unnamed father, committed a crime. Because Jesus died in his place, this man was set free. All people are sinners who have broken God’s holy law. Like Barabbas, we deserve to die. But Jesus died in our place, for our sins, and by faith we have been set free.

Talking to God

Let gratitude overwhelm you as you worship the Savior, who took your place, receiving the punishment and death that you will never suffer because Christ Jesus is the resurrection and the life.