We are continuing our Lenten journey through the scriptures. Jesus is on His journey to the cross. The setting for our next stop is the Praetorium. Jesus comes before Pilate, the Roman governor of Samaria and Judea.
It was the Passover festival. And it was customary for the governor to release a prisoner of the people’s choice. Pilate gave them the choice of Barabbas or Jesus. They vehemently shouted for Barabbas’ release and Jesus’ crucifixion. (Matthew 27:15-23)
Barabbas deserved to die. He was a criminal. He was a sinner. Mark 15:7 says he was in prison with the insurrectionists who had committed murder.
Jesus did not deserve to die. He was sinless. I Peter 2:22 says, “He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in His mouth.”
I wonder what happened to Barabbas after he was released from prison.
(1) Did he run away as fast as possible fearing someone would send him back to prison?
(2) Did he try to find Jesus and thank Him for taking his place?
(3) Did he follow in the shadows as Jesus walked to Golgotha carrying His cross?
(4) Did he watch Jesus die?
(5) Did he feel the pain in his hands and feet as he heard the hammer nail Jesus to the cross where he should have been?
This account focuses upon Jesus and Barabbas. However, it is a symbolic snapshot of a much bigger picture. Each of us is a Barabbas. Jesus died not only for Barabbas, but for all of us.
Romans 3:23 says, “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Barabbas was an example of humankind. We all deserve to die. Romans 5:8 says, “But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
My Reader, how do you respond to Jesus’ crucifixion? I encourage you to personally answer the following questions. Each is similar to a question I posed about Barabbas.
(1) Are you fearful of returning to the bondage to sin?
II Timothy 1:7 NLT assures you, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.”
John 8:36 says, “if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.”
(2) Do you take time to thank Jesus for what He has done?
Psalm 107:1 tells you, “Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; His love endures forever.”
(3) Do you follow in the shadows as you think about Jesus walking to Golgotha carrying His cross?
Jesus says in John 8:12, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.” No shadows – only light.
(4) Can you watch Jesus die?
No, you cannot rewind time and physically watch Jesus did upon the cross. However, take time to meditate upon the crucifixion of Jesus. Read the gospel accounts. (Matthew 27:32-56; Mark 15:29-41; Luke 23:32-49; John 19:16-37)
(5) Do you feel the pain in your hands and feet as you remember the nails being hammered into Jesus’ hands and feet?
I Peter 3:18 says, “For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive in the Spirit.” Christ suffered so you do not have to suffer. However, remember what He endured. You can do this when partaking of communion. The bread symbolizes His broken body. The juice or wine symbolizes the blood He shed. (I Corinthians 11:23-26)
Scripture does not tell us what Barabbas did that day. But, we are personally responsible for how we respond to Jesus. During this week of Lent, meditate upon the forgiveness of sin Jesus offers you. Remember Romans 10:13, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
An Apple of Gold 