I remembered hearing someone tell about the story of Christ’s crucifixion with a focus on Barabbas who seems to interrupt this story.
Barabbas is mentioned in Matthew, Mark, and Luke.
Barabbas was a murderer, a traitor, a rebel, a thug.
Pilate knew that there was a tradition that they would release one prisoner during the passover feast. He tried to get the people to free Jesus. Surely, they would choose Jesus instead of Barabbas.
But the people chose to free Barabbas and crucify Jesus.
Jesus knew the will of the Father.
Jesus had to be treated like Barabbas so Barabbas could be treated like Jesus.
Jesus had to descend below all to help us overcome all.
Barabbas knew he deserved to be punished.
But God loved Barabbas.
Barabbas didn’t thank Jesus, and the Bible doesn’t say that he ever believed in Him. He probably never accepted the gift Jesus offered him.
But we can.
We make mistakes. We sin. We fall short.
But God loves us.
If we have faith unto repentance, Jesus will take our sin from us.
He took our place.
He’s already paid the price.
