Over 2000 years ago a notorious robber named Barabbas was locked away in a Roman prison cell waiting to die for the crimes he had committed. In the gospel of John 18:40 we learn that Barabbas was a robber. A robber was someone who plundered by violence, he was not guilty of some white collar crime, but an openly violent robbery. Luke 23:25 explains Barabbas was in prison for insurrection and murder. Insurrection meant being involved in an uproar, a riot, he was likely making a stand against the Roman government. Not only was he accused of robbery, insurrection and murder but Matthew 27:16 explains that Barabbas was notorious for these crimes; he had made his mark, he was notable.
As Jesus Christ stood trial before Pilate the Roman governor, it is possible that Barabbas was locked in a cell within earshot of the proceedings. There is debate as to the location of the trial, but the two most likely venues, Antonia Fortress and Herod's Palace, both were fortresses with Roman soldiers and were capable of housing prisoners. Matthew 27:20-26 describes the scene, Barabbas probably would only hear the shouts of the crowd, not the dialog in between, this is what the mob shouted;
Barabbas!.... Let him be Crucified!.... Let him be Crucified!....His blood be on us and our children!
As the Roman soldiers approach his cell, Barabbas must have known the time to die for his crimes was at hand. When they opened the cell, unlocked the chains, and released him, he must have been astounded! Jesus Christ was to be crucified in the place of Barabbas.
We must join Barabbas in his cell, realize we are all guilty of sin, none of us is perfect. Jesus Christ died in my place and your place as well; He died for our crimes and our sins against God. Are you astounded at what God has done for you?
Praise God for His Grace and Mercy!
In the Cell of Barabbas
