Now at that feast he released unto them one prisoner, whomsoever they desired. And there was one named Barabbas, which lay bound with them that had made insurrection with him, who had committed murder in the insurrection. And the multitude crying aloud began to desire him to do as he had ever done unto them Mark 15:6-8

The trial of Jesus was such a sham, Pilate asked Israel to make a choice, either release a convicted murderer Barabbas or  release the Son of God Jesus Christ. You would think the decision would be easy, however because of the hardness of their hearts and blindness of their eyes, Israel choose a convicted murderer over their Messiah. Oh how the mighty have fallen

Now when we look at this event, I want you to see this from a spiritual and symbolic perspective. You are Barabbas! You might say well “I’m not a convicted murderer” Yes however we are all sinners and deserve the wrath of God. However Jesus took our place! We should be up there getting the death sentence on the cross, however Christ the sinless Lamb of God, took our place on the cross! 

But Pilate answered them, saying, Will ye that I release unto you the King of the Jews? For he knew that the chief priests had delivered him for envy. But the chief priests moved the people, that he should rather release Barabbas unto them. Mark 15:9-11

Pilate in mockery called Jesus King, however he was correct! Jesus is the King of Kings, and by the evil Pilate and the religious leaders were performing, they were actually fulfilling prophecy. They were fulfilling scripture that Jesus the Messiah must be handed over to sinners and die for our sins. Notice the chief priests influenced the people to choose Barabbas, a convicted murderer! These men were supposed to be experts in the Law of God, but they were blinded and hardened by their own pride and arrogance.

And Pilate answered and said again unto them, What will ye then that I shall do unto him whom ye call the King of the Jews? And they cried out again, Crucify him. Then Pilate said unto them, Why, what evil hath he done? And they cried out the more exceedingly, Crucify him. And so Pilate, willing to content the people, released Barabbas unto them, and delivered Jesus, when he had scourged him, to be crucified. Mark 15:12-15

The same crowd that was shouting “Hosanna” a few days ago is now shouting “Crucify Him”  Israel turned on their own Messiah and killed him, Gods own people killed Gods Son, how the mighty have fallen!

Jesus willingly went to the cross to pay the penalty for our sins, behold the Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world Amen!