"Jesus Barabbas vs Jesus Christ: The Biblical Choice Between Insurrection and Salvation"

Introduction: A Choice That Echoes Through Eternity

The story of Barabbas and Jesus Christ presents one of the most profound and revealing moments in biblical history. The decision made by the people of Jerusalem—choosing a rebellious insurrectionist over the righteous Son of God—symbolizes the ongoing struggle between worldly desires and divine truth. This event, recorded in Matthew 27:15-26, is not just a historical episode; it is a spiritual lesson for every generation. Today, we face a similar choice: Do we follow the way of the world, or do we surrender to the saving grace of Jesus Christ?

Who Was Barabbas? The Insurrectionist

Barabbas was not just a common criminal; he was a notorious insurrectionist and murderer. The Gospels describe him as a man involved in an uprising against Roman authority (Mark 15:7, Luke 23:18-19). His name, Barabbas, comes from the Aramaic words Bar (son of) and Abba (father), meaning “son of the father.” However, this is in stark contrast to Jesus, the true Son of God the Father (Matthew 3:17).

Interestingly, some early manuscripts of Matthew 27:16-17 refer to him as Jesus Barabbas, meaning Pilate’s question to the crowd was essentially: “Whom do you want me to release to you, Jesus Barabbas or Jesus who is called the Messiah?” The irony is profound—one sought to save Israel through violence, while the other came to offer salvation through love and sacrifice.

Who Is Jesus Christ, the Messiah?

Jesus, the true Son of God, came to fulfill prophecy and redeem humanity. Unlike Barabbas, Jesus did not fight against Rome or seek political power. Instead, He came to establish a spiritual kingdom and bring reconciliation between God and mankind.

• Jesus, the Lamb of God: John the Baptist declared, “Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29).

• The Sinless Savior: Pilate himself admitted, “I find no fault in this Man.” (Luke 23:4).

• The Messiah foretold: Isaiah prophesied about Jesus' suffering: “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).

Yet, despite His innocence, the crowd rejected Him.

The Symbolism of the Choice

The crowd’s decision between Barabbas and Jesus is symbolic of the choices we make in our lives:

• Barabbas represents the sinful nature of humanity, rebellion, and the world's way—trying to gain freedom through force and deception.

• Jesus represents divine grace and the way of the cross, offering eternal salvation through His sacrifice.

The crowd, influenced by the religious leaders, demanded Barabbas’ release and Jesus' crucifixion (Matthew 27:20-22). This foreshadows the substitutionary atonement: Jesus, though innocent, takes the place of a guilty man—just as He took our place on the cross.

Pilate’s Dilemma: The Danger of Moral Compromise

Pontius Pilate, though aware of Jesus’ innocence, succumbed to public pressure. Even after his wife warned him in a dream to have nothing to do with Jesus (Matthew 27:19), he attempted to absolve himself by washing his hands (Matthew 27:24). However, no symbolic gesture could remove his responsibility. His failure to stand for truth highlights the consequences of moral compromise.

Spiritual Insights: The Ultimate Exchange

The release of Barabbas and the crucifixion of Jesus is a striking illustration of the Gospel message:

• We are all like Barabbas—guilty and deserving of punishment.

• Jesus took our place, just as He took Barabbas’ place.

• By faith in Christ, we are set free, just as Barabbas was.

Paul explains this in 2 Corinthians 5:21: “For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.”

What Does This Mean for Us Today?

The choice between Barabbas and Jesus is not just a historical event—it is a question every person must answer today.

• Are we choosing worldly power and rebellion, or are we surrendering to Jesus?

• Do we listen to the voices of the crowd, or do we follow the voice of truth?

• Are we standing for Christ, or are we washing our hands like Pilate?

Jesus invites us to follow Him: “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.” (Matthew 16:24)

Conclusion: Who Will You Choose?

The decision between Barabbas and Jesus was not just for the people in Pilate’s courtyard—it is a decision that each of us must make. Will you choose the fleeting promises of the world, or will you choose the eternal hope found in Jesus Christ?

The choice is before you. Will you cry out for Barabbas, or will you declare Jesus as your Lord and Savior?

“Choose this day whom you will serve.” (Joshua 24:15)

(Matthew 27:15-26)

15 Now at the feast the governor was accustomed to release for the crowd any one prisoner whom they wanted. 16 And they had then a notorious prisoner, called Barab′bas.[a] 17 So when they had gathered, Pilate said to them, “Whom do you want me to release for you, Barab′bas[b] or Jesus who is called Christ?” 18 For he knew that it was out of envy that they had delivered him up. 19 Besides, while he was sitting on the judgment seat, his wife sent word to him, “Have nothing to do with that righteous man, for I have suffered much over him today in a dream.” 20 Now the chief priests and the elders persuaded the people to ask for Barab′bas and destroy Jesus. 21 The governor again said to them, “Which of the two do you want me to release for you?” And they said, “Barab′bas.” 22 Pilate said to them, “Then what shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ?” They all said, “Let him be crucified.” 23 And he said, “Why, what evil has he done?” But they shouted all the more, “Let him be crucified.”

Pilate Hands Jesus over to Be Crucified

24 So when Pilate saw that he was gaining nothing, but rather that a riot was beginning, he took water and washed his hands before the crowd, saying, “I am innocent of this man’s blood;[c] see to it yourselves.” 25 And all the people answered, “His blood be on us and on our children!” 26 Then he released for them Barab′bas, and having scourged Jesus, delivered him to be crucified.

Barabbas was a Jewish insurrectionist c. 30 C.E. whom Pontius Pilate freed at the Passover feast in Jerusalem

In Hebrew, the name Barabbas can be split into two words: bar, meaning “son of” and abbas, meaning “father”. While Barabbas’ name literally means “son of the father”, Jesus Christ was the true and literal “Son of God the Father.”

It is interesting to note that some Bible versions refer to Barabbas as “Jesus Barabbas” in Matthew 27:16,17. Essentially, Pilate was asking the Jewish leaders to choose between Jesus Barabbas or Jesus who is called the Messiah.

According to Matthew 1:21, the name Jesus means “savior”. Thus, Jesus Barabbas was trying to be the savior of the Jews by taking part in a physical rebellion against the Roman authorities. On the other hand, Jesus Christ, the true savior, is about to die on the cross, spiritually freeing all humanity from the bondage to sin.

Barabbas was a robber, murderer, and rebel. He had sought to save the Jews through insurrection. In character, Barabbas represented the devil, who was a murderer from the beginning. (See John 8:44.) (Bibleinfo.com)