The Salvation of Barabas

Then he released Barabbas to them. But he had Jesus flogged, and handed him over to be crucified. – Matthew 27:26

On that long-awaited morning, the morning Jesus stood before Pilot, God gave us a picture of His plan for salvation for all. Though Pilate found no reason to charge the innocent Jesus with death, the crowds outside roared, “Crucify Him! Crucify Him!”

There was one last thing Pilate could attempt to avoid handing the King over to the Jews. It was customary for one prisoner to be released during that time of year, so Pilate asked, “Will you therefore that I release to you the King of the Jews?”

Sitting in his dark cell that morning, pondering the gruesome death that awaited him, Barabbas suddenly heard shouting, like a chant. He could barely make it out at first. He listened intently as the shouts grew louder and louder. “Barabbas! Barabbas!” It must be that his time has finally come - the crowd was shouting for his death.

However, to his amazement, the guard opened the door to the cell and the bright light poured through, shining right on Barabbas. Blinded by the light that has been revealed, all he hears is the guard beckoning him, “Come, it’s your lucky day. Jesus of Nazareth will be taking your place today.” Imagine the reaction on his face - incredulous, astonished, joyous.

It wasn’t an accident, the way these events unfolded that morning. Just as we were once prisoners in the darkness and guilty as charged, so also did the King stoop down to take our place. In the same way, His light shined on our faces when we were in the darkness and called us out of prison and into freedom. Let us rejoice in our “lucky day” and thank God for the salvation of our souls.

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Last modified: April 2, 2006