Barabbas
July 18, 2011
Dear Friends,
One of the most infamous people in history is a man known simply as Barabbas. We know him as the man freed from execution in lieu of Jesus Christ.
I would suggest that Barabbas has been carefully presented in Scripture as representative of the choice that each one of us makes in life – the choice between sin and righteousness. He also represents the redeemed sinner for whom Christ died so that we might live. Let’s look at the evidence.
During Jesus’ trial, the people are given the choice between Barabbas and Jesus. We can’t help but notice the striking contrasts between the two men. Barabbas was involved in a riot (Gr. stasis) in which he murdered someone and was also a robber (Gr. lēstēs). Barabbas was a wicked, murderous criminal engaged in a revolt against Rome. Jesus, on the other hand, was sinless. One man preached rebellion, while the other preached love and peace. Yet, while the dissimilarities jump out at us, the power in the lesson is in combining both the similarities and the contrasts between the two men.
The name Barabbas means “son of the father.” We realize this as we notice the word abba in the middle of the name. Of course, we all know that Jesus was a “son of the Father” as well as he was the son of God. Who was Barabbas’s “father?” I would suggest that Barabbas, in type, represents those in the household of sin. Jesus alludes to this father/son relationship in John 8 when speaking to the Pharisees:
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blockquote>Jesus said to them, “If God were your Father, you would love me, for I came from God and now am here. I have not come on my own; but he sent me. Why is my language not clear to you? Because you are unable to hear what I say. You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desire. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies. (vvs. 42-44 NIV)
The murdering Barabbas follows in his father’s footsteps. Since sin leads to death (Rom. 6:16,23), sin is the original “murderer.”
In type, we are all prisoners and a “son of the father” – sin. We all need to be released from this prison.
I see another law at work in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within my members. (Rom. 7:23 NIV)
But the Scripture declares that the whole world is a prisoner of sin, so that what was promised, being given through faith in Jesus Christ, might be given to those who believe.(Gal. 3:22 NIV)
As this scene before Pilate unfolds, we have a “son of the father” representing sin and all its ramifications presented to the people along with another “son of the Father” who represents righteousness and all of its ramifications. As it has continued from the beginning of creation until now, the majority choose Barabbas. Yet, for a few who cry Jesus’ name rather than Barabbas, they are freed from the sin and death cycle.
Notice that Jesus seems somehow complicit in this pardon of Barabbas. Pilate is seeking to release Jesus, but Jesus makes no effort to extricate himself after determining in the Garden to “drink the cup” that was determined for him. Even Pilate is amazed that Jesus is making no effort to defend him as testified by Matthew. “Then Pilate asked him, ‘Don’t you hear the testimony they are bringing against you?’ But Jesus made no reply, not even to a single charge-to the great amazement of the governor. ” (Matt. 27:13-14 NIV) Is Jesus making an effort to save Barabbas? In type, Jesus’ sacrifice is certainly an effort to release those in sin’s household.
We are never told what happens to Barabbas. Did he use his second chance at life for good or did he return to his wicked ways? I would suggest that the reason we are not told the answer to this riddle is that we, as representatives of the man Barabbas, must make the answer for ourselves. Will we, after having be saved by our Lord Jesus Christ from certain death, turn from our father sin and serve our Heavenly Father?
Have a great week,
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