The Death and Resurrection of the KingMuestra

An unfair exchange

“So when they had gathered, Pilate said to them, ‘Whom do you want me to release for you: Barabbas, or Jesus who is called Christ?’” (Matthew 27:17)

Pilate was well aware that Jesus' kingship was not a political threat. He therefore tried to creatively cancel the Sanhedrin's death sentence without antagonizing them. After all, if the Jewish council turned against Pilate, it could have major consequences for his own career.

Pilate was in the habit of releasing a prisoner around the Feast of Passover, possibly to please the Jewish people. He presented the people with a choice of who should receive amnesty: Jesus or Barabbas, a notorious prisoner. Persuaded by their leaders, the people chose Barabbas. Jesus, on the other hand, should be crucified. And even though Pilate said out loud that Jesus was innocent, he gave the people their way. Jesus would be killed.

This history is full of injustice. And yet it is also a touching metaphor of Jesus' saving work. For He came to earth to take the place of condemned criminals. He wanted to bear the punishment so that they might go free. “The Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all.” (Isaiah 53:6)

Do you see similarities between Barabbas and yourself? Have you ‘switched places’ with Jesus yet?