I am Barabbas

For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. – Romans 6:23 (NIV)

Do you ever wonder what became of Barabbas? You know the story. Mentioned in all four gospels, he was the criminal who was released the weekend Jesus was crucified. Thinking there was no way the crowd would pick a domestic terrorist over an itinerant preacher and prophet, Pontius Pilate offered up that choice. Whipped into a frenzy by their religious leaders, the mob demanded that Barabbas go free and that Jesus be executed. Pilate capitulated, even though he knew Jesus had committed no crime, let alone one that deserved death.

Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering, yet we considered him punished by God, stricken by him, and afflicted. –Isaiah 53:4 (NIV)

In my mind, I’d like to imagine Barabbas being at least a little curious about this man who took his place. I see him going to Golgotha to witness the event, perhaps considering the gravity of the exchange that occurred. I see him in the following days, coming across a Jesus-follower and asking some questions, especially as rumors spread that the guy on the cross might be alive again. Maybe he laid low until seven weeks later and was among the crowd who heard Peter preach the sermon that connected the dots and told him who that guy was.

But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed. –Isaiah 53:5 (NIV)

It’s probably more likely he left town quickly, before somebody in charge could change their mind and issue a warrant to have him re-arrested. Pilate couldn’t have a guy like that roaming the streets now, could he? Even in that case, he could have eventually heard the story, as the message of the gospel spread to Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. What if he encountered Simon the Zealot? Simon’s story was similar to his own, except that Simon’s path intersected Jesus’ before he had a chance to lead an insurrection or commit a murder.

We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all. –Isaiah 53:6 (NIV)

The fact is we don’t know. Scripture doesn’t say and history doesn’t say. There isn’t even any legend or early church tradition that gives scholars something to debate. The story is unfinished and we are left to wonder. And to write the ending for ourselves. Because I am Barabbas. And so are you. We are all beneficiaries of the sacrifice of the innocent God-man who took the punishment that was rightfully ours. What will we do with Jesus on this day when Christendom celebrates His resurrection – the event that ratified His mission and confirmed His authority as the Son of God? As for me, I will bow in grateful worship of the One who purchased my freedom, redeeming my past and guaranteeing my future for eternity.

In a loud voice they were saying: “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!” – Revelation 5:12 (NIV)