Now at that feast the governor was wont to release unto the people a prisoner, whom they would. And they had then a notable prisoner, called Barabbas. Matthew 27:15-16

The time has come for someone to be released, will it be the sinless Lamb of God or will it be a convicted murdered and thief named Barabbas? Why would the people choose Barabbas over Christ? What did Barabbas do to earn mercy and forgiveness? How did Barabbas get pardoned for his sins?

At first glance we despise Barabbas, how could they let this horrible man go free while Jesus takes his place! However then we realize we are Barabbas! We are the sinners that don’t deserve mercy or forgiveness, however Christ died for us anyway!

Therefore when they were gathered together, Pilate said unto them, Whom will ye that I release unto you? Barabbas, or Jesus which is called Christ? For he knew that for envy they had delivered him. Matthew 27:17-18

The people had a choice, either release the sinless Lamb of God or release a convicted murderer. The choice seems simple and logical, however their hearts were hardened and their eyes were blind. Just the same we were when we hated God. Our sins put Jesus on the cross! We are also guilty!

When he was set down on the judgment seat, his wife sent unto him, saying, Have thou nothing to do with that just man: for I have suffered many things this day in a dream because of him. But the chief priests and elders persuaded the multitude that they should ask Barabbas, and destroy Jesus. Matthew 27:19-20

Pilates wife begged him to let Jesus go, because even though she wasn’t a Christian, she knew he was innocent. However Pilate gave into the evil influence of the world, the religious leaders wanted him dead! They wanted Jesus eliminated so they hoped his truth and teachings would be eliminated from the world, sound familiar today?

The governor answered and said unto them, Whether of the twain will ye that I release unto you? They said, Barabbas. Pilate saith unto them, What shall I do then with Jesus which is called Christ? They all say unto him, Let him be crucified. And the governor said, Why, what evil hath he done? But they cried out the more, saying, Let him be crucified. Matthew 27:21-23

When Pilate asked the crowd who did they want to release? The crowd shouted Barabbas! When Pilate asked what they wanted to do with Jesus, they said Crucify Him! The same people who were shouting Hosanna a week ago are now shouting Crucify Him!

You might have been in the crowd at one point in your life, but guess what? Jesus died for you anyway, he died for even the ones who hated him, what a loving God! When you realize that you were Barabbas, that you didn’t deserve or earn any mercy or forgiveness, but he gave it anyway.

Then you understand what a loving God we serve and he loved us even when we didn’t deserve it Amen!