A LIFE FOR A LIFE

Painting by Henry Coller

As Jesus began facing the trials, mocking, beatings, and other undue mistreatment before being crucified, the crowd was presented with an option. Matthew 27:15 says, "Now it was the governor’s custom at the festival to release a prisoner chosen by the crowd". I am led to believe that Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor of that time, knew that Jesus was not guilty of any of the accusations that were presented to him. And I also believe that by giving the crowd the customary option for an actual prisoner, Pontius Pilate was hoping that this would help the crowds to come to their senses and let Jesus go. But instead, they wanted the criminal Barabbas released in exchange for the crucifixion of Jesus. The bible does not mention exactly why Barabbas was in prison. All the scriptures say is that he was a notorious criminal (Matthew 27:16). The crowds preferred to release Barabbas, the known criminal, in exchange for Jesus, the completely innocent. Isn't it amazing that Jesus had performed so many miracles up until this point--healed the sick, gave sight to the blind, fed the five thousand--but some of these same people who benefited from them wanted the death penalty for Jesus? Nonetheless, the multitude of people had completely forgotten about the miracles and wanted to see the demise of our Lord and Savior. If you think that's crazy, wait until you hear this. Think that Jesus and Barabbas had nothing in common? Think again. Ironically, the name Barabbas means 'son of the father'. So, they were in essence releasing the son of the father, Barabbas, for the Son of the Father, Jesus! Call it a coincidence if you would like, but I believe that God was still at work through all of this and wanted to show us something. Those of us that accept Jesus into our lives are known as God's sons and daughters (2 Corinthians 6:18). Just as Barabbas was released from prison, even though he deserved to remain imprisoned, Jesus took the punishment that we so rightly deserved. As we are in the Easter season, remember that Jesus Christ paid it all and laid down His life so that we can be released from sin's imprisonment in exchange for a new and abundant life.

Image by Year27