This is an excerpt from my book “40 Moments From Christ’s Final Days.” Click here to get it from Amazon using my affiliate link.
Find this moment in: Mt. 27:15–21, Mk. 15:6–15, Lk. 23:18-25, Jn. 18:40
Not much is known about the man who lived so Jesus Christ could die. He had a name, a criminal record, and a second chance at life. We don’t know how he used his freedom, but we can get some ideas about how he ended up on the chopping block, and maybe even why Pilate chose this particular criminal to stand next to Jesus Christ.
Now Barabbas was a robber. (John 18:40b)
This is pretty bad. And for now, it’s noteworthy that Matthew and Mark label the men crucified with Christ as robbers or thieves as well. But if we’re honest, choosing to kill Jesus and release someone who took things doesn’t seem very extreme. Luke fills in the gaps.
He had been thrown into prison for an insurrection made in the city and for murder. (Luke 23:19)
Based on what we know about that day’s political and religious tensions, Barabbas had likely been part of a Jewish attempt to overthrow Roman rule. Though Jews everywhere were unhappy with Roman occupation in Israel, this violent insurrection likely took place right in Jerusalem. During this, Barabbas killed at least one Roman soldier.
A possible explanation for why he’s called a robber, despite being guilty of far worse crimes, is because of who he stole from. Barabbas may have robbed fellow Jews or looted their homes during his failed overthrow of Roman soldiers. One author may have found it noteworthy to portray his violent crimes against Rome, while another showed a traitor who wasn’t considered a revolutionary hero by his people.
There is one final point to make, though its evidence is only found in a few early manuscripts and the comments of Origen from around 240 AD. In these manuscripts and comments, Pilate’s comments in Matthew 27:17 read, “Whom do you wish I release to you? Jesus Barabbas, or Jesus who is called Christ?”[1]
If true, this is fascinating because of what the name “Jesus Barabbas” meant. Matthew 1:21 tells us the name Jesus means “Savior,” and Barabbas was Hebrew for “Son of the Father.” Jesus Barabbas was not likely his true name, but one chosen to give himself credibility. He played off the popularity of “Jesus, the Son of God” and led people into theft, rebellion, and murder by promising that he was the Savior they’d heard so much about.
He was a false Christ, just as Jesus warned against during the Olivet Discourse in Matthew 24:23-24. So as Pilate presented these two men to the crowd, he asked them which Jesus they wanted. Did they want the Jesus who was a known criminal and worthy of death, or the Jesus who had done nothing wrong? As we know, they chose the false Christ.
Barabbas played a critical role in God’s story of redemption. He put his hope in his worldly situations, followed his desires, deserved death, and Jesus Christ took his place so he could walk free.
Stop and think: Jesus received the execution reserved for Barabbas. The innocent died and the guilty went free, forgiven of his crimes. Jesus could have ended all of it with a word but knew His death on the cross was worth it. How does considering the injustice of Barabbas help you better realize what Jesus Christ did for us?
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[1] Davis, W. H. (2016). Origen’s Comment on Matthew 27:17. Review & Expositor.
