Guilty As Barabbas: Grace for the Undeserving

By Deb Marsalisi

“Now at the feast the governor was accustomed to releasing to the multitude one prisoner whom they wished. And at that time they had a notorious prisoner called Barabbas. Therefore, when they had gathered together, Pilate said to them, ‘Whom do you want me to release to you? Barabbas, or Jesus who is called Christ?’ For he knew that they had handed Him over because of envy.”—Matthew 27:15–18 (NKJV)

Why is Barabbas worthy of mention in all four Gospels? The telling of Barabbas is a big part of the biblical redemption story. We’re to look to this man, in his rebellion and sin, and recognize we are Barabbas. Barabbas committed crimes worthy of death, and he was granted freedom as innocent Christ took the penalty for his sins—as He does for each one of us.

Jerusalem was roaring with activities as the Feast of Passover commenced. As the Scripture above states, it was customary for the governor to grant leniency to one criminal as an act of goodwill toward the Jews.

Barabbas was a criminal who led a group of rebels in an insurrection to overthrow the oppression of the Roman Empire—and in the process, he committed murder. He was thrown in prison and was awaiting the excruciating death of crucifixion. The fact that the Bible uses the word notorious when describing Barabbas would lead us to understand he was a repeat offender, he had a reputation for rebellion and violence.

The fact that Barabbas is the man the Jews wanted to release shows us the deep hatred they had for Christ. They were so eager to condemn Him to death, not realizing His death was for their redemption and salvation. And why? Because Jesus didn’t fit their idea of the coming Messiah. They expected a military Messiah, One that would crush the tyranny of Rome. In their pride and arrogance, they were convinced they discerned the Torah correctly; and were the only real authority of the Scriptures, even though their interpretation missed the mark.

Ultimately, they put the Messiah in a tightly sealed box. Anything that didn’t fit their well-crafted narrative just had to be wrong. Well, the Lord will not conform to our narratives. We cannot make a god of our choosing—that’s an idol. The culture is trying to redefine Jesus as the One who overlooks sin instead of the One who can transform us from darkness to light; to create in us a new heart and to live a life that glorifies Him. He doesn’t want to keep us the same; He makes us a new creation in Christ Jesus.

Be careful not to accept a false Messiah who plays by your rules. Be encouraged to search the Scriptures and ask the Holy Spirit to teach you and point to the real Jesus. Just like Paul exhorts young Timothy to rightly discern and interpret the Word of Truth (2 Timothy 2:15), we’re to do the same.

We’re to believe by faith that like Barabbas, we’re notorious sinners in need of a Savior. Our Savior is willing to pay the penalty for our sins, prompting us to repentance. We’re as guilty as Barabbas receiving undeserving grace.

Pause: Is it difficult to see yourself as guilty as a notorious sinner like Barabbas? Have you ever echoed this phrase, “Well, at least I’m not as bad as that guy. I’m not a murderer, I’m not out here leading a political revolt, I’m not anything like this man.”

Practice: Sit down and journal with Jesus this week. Have Him walk you through the areas where you struggle with rebellion. Take time to journal about all the ways God has provided you with His undeserving grace.

Pray: Dear Jesus, please help me to be a faithful follower. Help me to surrender to Your will in all areas of my life. Thank You that while humanity was stuck in their sin, You died for us. You’re worthy of praise and honor. I love You, Lord. In the precious name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.