“So after they had assembled, Pilate said to them, “Whom do you want me to release for you, Jesus Barabbas or Jesus who is called the Christ?”” (Matthew 27:17)
Jesus Barabbas or Jesus who is called the Christ?
Who is Barabbas? Most Christians would probably name a hideous character at the scene of Jesus’ public trial. They would identify him as one of the most monstrous villains of his time. Most Bible-based films would cast an actor with dark, thick eyebrows, bulging eyeballs, and a large, crooked nose. Last but not least, this actor would need to put on a repulsive smirk that will give you the creeps.
Then I found out I was wrong about Barabbas.
Barabbas was a freedom fighter. He led small militias to stand up to the cruel and oppressive rule of the Roman government. In the eyes of the Jews, Barabbas was a hero. He was more of a messianic figure than Jesus ever was.
Therefore, it would do more justice to cast Mel Gibson as Barabbas. Instead of casting another heartthrob to play Jesus, they ought to look for someone that resembles George Costanza!
It might sound absurd…but in the minds of most Jews, that was exactly how they saw Barabbas and the Christ. Barabbas was a good guy and this other Jesus? He was confusing, mysterious, and a blasphemer. He talked much about being good on the inside and paid no heed to the equality they so desired.
Barabbas sought freedom fighting battles in the physical; Christ has already attained freedom in the spiritual. What Jesus did during his time on earth was to pave a way to free men and women for all eternity. Yet he had to play it out before a handful of ordinary men and women. No wonder they couldn’t understand him. No wonder they all ran off at the first sign of trouble. No wonder one disciple betrayed him. Jesus, the Son of God, reincarnated as a man in the little town of Galilee. He drew attention and made headlines as he made his way to the city of Jerusalem. He had us in mind when he walked the earth. His plan of redemption was not just for the crowd that jostled around him. He looked to the future and saw the faces of every man and woman, and He saw me and you. He knew in his heart the pain of living a life on devil’s stomping grounds. He had to block out the nonsense all around him while the cheering and the jeering crowd wanted him dead. He knew in His heart what He was made to do. It was tough to be 100% man carrying out a mission as a 100% God. He did it to set an example that with God all things are possible.
With God all things are possible.
Barabbas was a bandage for a quick fix, and Christ was a heart transplant for a cure.
“Whom do you want me to release for you, Jesus Barabbas or Jesus who is called the Christ?”
Will we join the riotous crowd and shout for the release of Barabbas? Or will we stand with Christ in quiet solidarity as we receive Him as our Lord and Savior?