The Crucifixion Of Jesus

The Crowd Choose Barabbas Rather Than Jesus. This Is A Perfect Picture Of The Gospel

We read in Matthew 27:15-21,

“Now at the feast the governor was accustomed to releasing to the multitude one prisoner whom they wished. And at that time they had a notorious prisoner called Barabbas. Therefore, when they had gathered together, Pilate said to them, “Whom do you want me to release to you? Barabbas, or Jesus who is called Christ?” For he knew that they had handed Him over because of envy.

While he was sitting on the judgment seat, his wife sent to him, saying, “Have nothing to do with that just Man, for I have suffered many things today in a dream because of Him.” But the chief priests and elders persuaded the multitudes that they should ask for Barabbas and destroy Jesus. The governor answered and said to them, “Which of the two do you want me to release to you?” They said, “Barabbas!”

The word “Barabbas” literally means in Hebrew, “son of the father”. Which spiritual father did Barabbas belong to? Jesus said, in John 8:44, “You are of your father the devil”. According to Mark 15:7, Barabbas was a murderer, and therefore a son of the Devil.

As far as Barabbas was concerned, there was the perfect exchange. Barabbas went free, and Jesus died in his place. This is a perfect picture of the Gospel. The Son of God died in the place of a son of the Devil.