John 18:40

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

Context:To understand the significance of this verse, let’s first look at its context. John 18 describes the events that took place during Jesus’ arrest and subsequent trial before Pilate. After being betrayed by Judas and arrested, Jesus was brought before the Jewish religious leaders and then taken to Pilate, the Roman governor of Judea.

Pilate’s custom:During the Passover feast, it was Pilate’s custom to release a prisoner chosen by the people (Matthew 27:15-16). Pilate saw an opportunity to release Jesus, whom he found innocent, by offering a choice between Jesus and Barabbas, a notorious criminal.

The crowd’s choice:In John 18:40, the people who gathered before Pilate demanded the release of Barabbas instead of Jesus. Barabbas was described as a robber or an insurrectionist. It’s worth noting that Barabbas was not just a common thief but someone involved in acts of violence and rebellion against the Roman authorities.

Symbolic meaning:The choice of Barabbas over Jesus carries deep symbolism. Barabbas, the guilty criminal, represents humanity and our sinfulness. Jesus, on the other hand, is the sinless Son of God who came to offer salvation and eternal life. The people choosing Barabbas over Jesus highlights humanity’s tendency to reject the Savior and embrace sin and rebellion.

Substitutionary atonement:The release of Barabbas instead of Jesus foreshadows the concept of substitutionary atonement. Jesus willingly took the place of Barabbas and ultimately all of humanity, bearing the punishment for our sins on the cross. By choosing Barabbas, the people unknowingly played a part in fulfilling God’s plan of salvation through Christ’s sacrifice.