Pontius Pilate is convinced that Jesus has not done anything that is worthy of death, but he has been backed into a corner by the chief priests and the multitude that has gathered. He has one last option available to him. There is a custom in place that during the Passover feast: the governor is permitted to release from custody any one prisoner and pardon him of any crimes he may have committed. If he can just get the Jews gathered outside the palace to select Jesus as the prisoner to be released, Pilate will be off the hook.

The plan is simple. Pilate selects a notorious prisoner, a man named Barabbas, who was guilty of trying to overthrow the government, committing murder in the process, as the other option for a prisoner to be released. Given the choice between Jesus and Barabbas, surely the multitude will choose Jesus to be released.

However, the plan backfires. The chief priests and elders have convinced the multitude to pick Barabbas as the one to be released. So, when Pilate asks them, “Who should I release?” they all shout, “Barabbas!” Stunned by this response, he then asks, “Well, what should I do with Jesus, who is called Christ?” The multitude shouts, “Crucify Him!” Unable to sway the multitude, Pilate reluctantly gives up and sets Barabbas free and condemns Jesus to be crucified. (See Matthew 27:15-26, Mark 15:6-15, Luke 23:17-25, John 18:39-40.)

Since this is the only time that this man Barabbas is mentioned in the scriptures, it might be worthwhile to explore — Who is Barabbas? Well, each gospel uses just one verse to describe him. Mark describes him as being guilty of insurrection and murder. Luke describes him the same way, except he uses the word “sedition” instead of “insurrection.” John calls him a robber, while Matthew just refers to him as a notable prisoner.

So, let’s summarize. Who is Barabbas?

• He was someone who was guilty of significant wrongdoing.
• He was facing punishment (crucifixion) for his wrongdoing.
• Jesus went to the cross and died in his place.
• He was set free because of what Jesus did.

Now, can we think of anyone today who might be like Barabbas?

• Someone who was guilty of significant wrongdoing (sin) in their lives.
• Someone who was on the road to eternal punishment (separation from God).
• Someone for whom Jesus went to the cross and died in their place.
• Someone who was set free because of what Jesus did.

If you answered, “That sounds like me,” you would be correct!

• Before you gave your life to Christ, you were guilty of various sins. “All have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23)
• As someone classified as an unbeliever, you were “condemned already” (John 3:18).
• Jesus went to the cross and died in your place. “While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8)
• When you repented and were baptized, you were set free from sin because of what Jesus did. “If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.” (John 8:36)

So, if someone asks you, “Who is Barabbas?” don’t worry about trying to describe the man who was an insurrectionist and a murderer and was only freed because the Jews wanted Jesus to be crucified.

Who is Barabbas? “Barabbas” is anyone who was guilty of wrongdoing, was facing punishment, and Jesus died in their place, setting them free.

Who is Barabbas? YOU ARE.