You have a custom that I release one prisoner to you at the Passover. So, do you want me to release to you the King of the Jews? They shouted back, “Not this man, but Barabbas! Now Barabbas was a revolutionary. John 18:39-40 HCSB
As a student pastor I counseled with many young people who were addicted to negative behavior. They willfully chose to participate in activities that were self – destructive and hurtful to those around them. Some were involved in drugs and alcohol while others were involved in sex and associating with the wrong crowd. Even when I pointed out how destructive their behaviors were, many selected to return to what would ultimately destroy them.
The people wanted a Messiah who would liberate them from the Roman rulers. That is what they had hoped and wanted Jesus to do. Just a few days earlier, these same people had worshipped Jesus as He entered Jerusalem. They sang praises to Him and placed palm branches in His path. When they realized that Jesus was not the political or military leader they were expecting, they wanted Him crucified and they wanted Barabbas to be released. Barabbas was known as a murderer who was willing to fight the Roman rulers. Even though the people knew Barabbas was an evil person, they elected to have him released instead of Jesus whom Pilate found no grounds for charging with any crime.
Challenge: Each of us are just like Barabbas and deserve death for our sins; but Jesus willingly took our place and paid the penalty for our sins so we could find forgiveness and be released from the chains of our hurtful actions. Thank Jesus for taking your place and setting you free from your sins.