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This article seeks to uncover the layers of symbolism between the Day of Atonement and Pilate’s offer to the Jewish priests of crucifying and releasing Jesus or Barabbas as described in Matthew’s Gospel account.
- Some Background.
- The question.
- Path one. The Road to self-destruction.
- Path Two. Acceptance But dissipation.
- Path Three. Joyous Proclamation.
- The Lessons from The Three paths.
- The message.
To begin, let’s do a brief review of the part Barabbas played. According to all four gospels, Pilate had adopted the practice of releasing one Jewish prisoner during the Passover festival. He was not required by law to do so, but Pilate was hugely unpopular with the Jewish populace and this was his small attempt to diminish the animus they felt tow...
Earlier we asked what we might possibly learn from this story of a murderer, a thief and a felon? How could this man’s story possibly be relevant for us today? I think, the answer is, “A lot.” When Barabbas was released there were three paths he could have taken for the rest of his life.
By all accounts, Barabbas was someone who’d made poor life choices. Depending on which description we believe, he was either a “murderer” or a “bandit,” or possibly both. In any case he was certainly a known criminal whose crimes were serious enough to have him arrested with the most probable outcome, his execution. It almost as though he had been ...
Or, Barabbas may have realized that his past actions and choices were not wise and decided to cease his illegal activities. He may have retired from a life of crime and lived the rest of his days as an inconspicuous non-entity. We don’t have any clue what Barabbas might have done to earn a living. He may have returned to his relatives to help with ...
As an alternative to Paths One or Two, Barabbas could have chosen the path of Joyous Proclamation. He could have left prison with a new purpose in life, to use what life he had remaining to tell his story. He could have proclaimed his joy over the gift he’d been given and led others to the same joy. If he’d chosen this path, he could have joined th...
Instead, we hear nothing further from or about Barabbas. He fades into history as a minor player in the greatest story ever told. Yes, we know of him over two thousand years later, but how is he regarded? What was/is his legacy? Precisely because we hear nothing about him, I strongly suspect that Barabbas chose either Path One or Path Two. Along Pa...
Today we have the same Paths before us. We also must choose. Are we going to be coldly dismissive of Jesus gift and mock its meaning for our lives? Will we hide from the gift and refuse to share it with others, thereby squandering it? Or, will we loudly acknowledge and proclaim Jesus’ gift of redemption and salvation, and share it with everyone aro...
People also ask
What did Pilate say to the crowd?
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What did Pilate say when he gathered together?
What does Barabbas mean in the Bible?
Mar 29, 2018 · So when they had gathered, Pilate said to them, “Whom do you want me to release for you: Barabbas, or Jesus who is called Christ?” For he knew that it was out of envy that they had delivered him up. Pilate might have said to himself, “Here’s my opportunity to simply let Jesus go free.
Pilate himself knew why the people handed Christ over to him: "For he knew that they had handed Him over because of envy." ( Matthew 27:18) The Jewish religious leaders were so envious of Christ, they handed Him over to the authorities for punishment, despite Christ being totally innocent and sinless. This should encourage all who face injustice.
Matthew 27:17 suggests that Pilate left the choice in the hands of the people when he had to decide whom to release between Jesus and Barabbas. Barabbas is defined in the Bible as a notorious prisoner, and the people chose him over Jesus, and they went on to ask that Jesus be crucified.
Pilate puts before the crowd first "Jesus Barabbas" (Mt 27:17) — that is, "Jesus, son of the father" — and then Jesus, the eternal Son of the Father. The crowd must choose either the real Son of the Father or His counterfeit, the true Sonship or the false. Its choice of the counterfeit and false summarizes our sinfulness.
Matthew 27:17. ESV So when they had gathered, Pilate said to them, “Whom do you want me to release for you: Barabbas, or Jesus who is called Christ?” NIV So when the crowd had gathered, Pilate asked them, 'Which one do you want me to release to you: Jesus Barabbas, or Jesus who is called the Messiah?'
