IN THE PLACE OF SINNERS

JOHN 18:39–40

Then they all cried again, saying, “Not this Man, but Barabbas!” Now Barabbas was a robber

(John 18:40).

We now return to John’s Gospel by picking up our study in chapter 18 and the account of Jesus’ trial. We have already seen how Pilate found no pleasure in handling this case and did as much as he was willing to rid himself of it. But he cared more about the ease of his rule than about justice. He wanted no trouble from the Jews, and as he saw the crowds swell and heard the clamor for blood, he sacrificed justice for momentary peace.

Pilate hoped that he might find a way out of the situation by suggesting that a prisoner (preferably Jesus) be released at Passover, as was the custom. But, to his surprise, the crowd preferred the release of Barabbas. The governor must have thought it strange that the people would want a known criminal released instead of a man who seemed to have committed no crime at all.

There was a tradition in Judea that at the time of Passover a criminal would be pardoned by the Roman governor, thus commemorating God’s sparing Israel from death while under Egyptian rule. How ironic that God’s promise would be remembered by the condemnation of His Son. But, then again, it is not so surprising considering God’s decree that He would send His Son to die so that many would be saved. Just as the firstborn died so that Israel would be released from slavery, so the Firstborn of God would be put to death so that children of promise would live. Here we see the fulfillment of that promise: Jesus would give up His life so that the children of the covenant would be “passed over.”

Another bit of irony is the release of a true criminal at the price of the innocent. Barabbas was a robber and had been accused of murder. He had been found guilty of his crimes. Jesus, on the other hand, was innocent. Remember, Pilate never found anything with which to accuse Him. However, on this day in the Roman court, Barabbas was given his freedom, but Jesus was condemned to die. What better portrait of redemption do we have? We, who are guilty of countless transgressions, have been set free while the Son of God took our place on the cross and purchased our redemption. We are the Barabbases of this world, and we must never forget that Jesus, who was blameless, died for guilty sinners.

CORAM DEO

Jeremiah 7–8

1 Timothy 2

How often do you thank Christ for His willing sacrifice for your life? When things get hard, do you ever act haughty or proud or ungrateful towards Him? Spend some time in prayer today, confessing any ungratefulness or pride you have in your heart. Thank Him for giving up His life for yours.

For further study: Isa. 53 • Matt. 27:15–26 • Rom. 5:6–11 • 1 Tim. 1:12–17

thursday

october