by Carla Williams
I just finished reading the Easter story again, but this time, I started thinking about Barabbas. I wonder what his life was like after he stepped in to represent all of mankind when Jesus was killed in his literal place.
Who Was He?
Who was this fellow that is only mentioned as the guy that the Jews chose in their hatred for Jesus?
He wasn’t a good guy. He’d been imprisoned for “an insurrection in the city, and for murder.” The city probably rejoiced in his initial capture and imprisonment.
His own actions had made him unwanted, unprotected, and unfriended.
He was the worst prisoner Pilate could think of to offer instead of Jesus. Pilate probably assumed they’d never choose Barabbas in life’s barter. It was his last-ditch effort to protect Jesus, a man he had repeatedly declared to be innocent.
Surely their hatred of Jesus couldn’t be so strong that the blood-thirsty mob would want Barabbas instead.
The First Man Redeemed by Jesus’ Blood
The crowd made its choice, and Barabbas was freed. He who was undoubtedly guilty would be released so that He without blemish could be sacrificed.
I wonder if he was confused as the guards dragged him out and released him into the swirl of angry Jews.
Did he panic for just a second – thinking that he’d been thrown to the dogs who were waiting to devour him?
Did he puff out his chest and pretend the crowd had begged for his release because of some newly discovered love for him?
Did he stare blankly at the jeering crowd, fully aware of his own shame and wondering what could have possibly saved him?
And what about when he learned he’d been spared only by the blood of Jesus? Did he watch the events on Golgatha from a distance, aware that he deserved to be on that cross? Did he beat his breast and tear out his hair trying to convince them to stop?
I wonder if he re-evaluated every decision he’d ever made, wishing with all of his heart that he could have somehow been worthier for such a sacrifice.
Or did he see all that Jesus had done for him, and turn and walk away? Did he consider himself lucky, whistle a little tune, and forget how close he came to destruction?
Barabbas and Me
How do I react now – two thousand years removed from the literal scene, but still being covered and saved by the same drops of anguished (but oh so willing) blood?
God often used literal people to symbolically represent a greater nation. In this case, He chose to save someone guilty and unworthy with His blameless Son. And now we, who are infinitely more unworthy, will know how it feels to be rescued.
