The Greatest Exchange - Barabbas for Jesus Study 4/14/11
The Greatest Exchange – Barabbas for Jesus
In our study for today we come across what I consider the greatest exchange the world has ever made. In fact the world is still making this similar exchange as we speak. The greatest exchange is the exchange and trading of Barabbas, a murderer for Jesus, the innocent. Pilate, the governor asked the people whom he should release or free from execution and the people overwhelmingly chose Barabbas over Jesus Christ. Who is Barabbas and what did he do to deserve this honor? You would say that Barabbas was the luckiest person on that very day.
It is very easy to quickly see the wrong choice by the people and the injustice heaped on Jesus. But for a moment, I would like us to see ourselves in Barabbas. We have so much in common with Barabbas. Do you think you are more righteous than Barabbas? Let’s read on and make more observation from Scripture.
Matthew 27:1-46
1 When morning came, all the chief priests and elders of the people plotted against Jesus to put Him to death. 2 And when they had bound Him, they led Him away and delivered Him to Pontius[a] Pilate the governor.
3 Then Judas, His betrayer, seeing that He had been condemned, was remorseful and brought back the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders, 4 saying, “I have sinned by betraying innocent blood.”
And they said, “What is that to us? You see to it!”
5 Then he threw down the pieces of silver in the temple and departed, and went and hanged himself. 6 But the chief priests took the silver pieces and said, “It is not lawful to put them into the treasury, because they are the price of blood.” 7 And they consulted together and bought with them the potter’s field, to bury strangers in. 8 Therefore that field has been called the Field of Blood to this day.
9 Then was fulfilled what was spoken by Jeremiah the prophet, saying, “And they took the thirty pieces of silver, the value of Him who was priced, whom they of the children of Israel priced, 10 and gave them for the potter’s field, as the LORD directed me.”[b]
11 Now Jesus stood before the governor. And the governor asked Him, saying, “Are You the King of the Jews?”
Jesus said to him, “It is as you say.” 12 And while He was being accused by the chief priests and elders, He answered nothing.
13 Then Pilate said to Him, “Do You not hear how many things they testify against You?” 14 But He answered him not one word, so that the governor marveled greatly.
15 Now at the feast the governor was accustomed to releasing to the multitude one prisoner whom they wished. 16 And at that time they had a notorious prisoner called Barabbas.[c] 17 Therefore, when they had gathered together, Pilate said to them, “Whom do you want me to release to you? Barabbas, or Jesus who is called Christ?” 18 For he knew that they had handed Him over because of envy.
19 While he was sitting on the judgment seat, his wife sent to him, saying, “Have nothing to do with that just Man, for I have suffered many things today in a dream because of Him.”
20 But the chief priests and elders persuaded the multitudes that they should ask for Barabbas and destroy Jesus. 21 The governor answered and said to them, “Which of the two do you want me to release to you?”
They said, “Barabbas!” 22 Pilate said to them, “What then shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ?”
They all said to him, “Let Him be crucified!”
23 Then the governor said, “Why, what evil has He done?”
But they cried out all the more, saying, “Let Him be crucified!”
24 When Pilate saw that he could not prevail at all, but rather that a tumult was rising, he took water and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, “I am innocent of the blood of this just Person.[d] You see to it.” 25 And all the people answered and said, “His blood be on us and on our children.” 26 Then he released Barabbas to them; and when he had scourged Jesus, he delivered Him to be crucified.
27 Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the Praetorium and gathered the whole garrison around Him. 28 And they stripped Him and put a scarlet robe on Him. 29 When they had twisted a crown of thorns, they put it on His head, and a reed in His right hand. And they bowed the knee before Him and mocked Him, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!” 30 Then they spat on Him, and took the reed and struck Him on the head. 31 And when they had mocked Him, they took the robe off Him, put His own clothes on Him, and led Him away to be crucified.
32 Now as they came out, they found a man of Cyrene, Simon by name. Him they compelled to bear His cross. 33 And when they had come to a place called Golgotha, that is to say, Place of a Skull, 34 they gave Him sour[e] wine mingled with gall to drink. But when He had tasted it, He would not drink. 35 Then they crucified Him, and divided His garments, casting lots,[f] that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet:
“ They divided My garments among them, And for My clothing they cast lots.”[g] 36 Sitting down, they kept watch over Him there. 37 And they put up over His head the accusation written against Him:
THIS IS JESUS THE KING OF THE JEWS.
38 Then two robbers were crucified with Him, one on the right and another on the left.39 And those who passed by blasphemed Him, wagging their heads 40 and saying, “You who destroy the temple and build it in three days, save Yourself! If You are the Son of God, come down from the cross.”
41 Likewise the chief priests also, mocking with the scribes and elders,[h] said, 42 “He saved others; Himself He cannot save. If He is the King of Israel,[i] let Him now come down from the cross, and we will believe Him.[j] 43 He trusted in God; let Him deliver Him now if He will have Him; for He said, ‘I am the Son of God.’” 44 Even the robbers who were crucified with Him reviled Him with the same thing.
Here are my observations in addition to the ones you may have:
1. Notice that even Judas the one who betrayed Jesus declared him innocent (see vs. 4). Judas acknowledged that he had “sinned”. Was that enough? The Scripture said he was “remorseful and brought back the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders”vs.3. What would have been a true repentance for Judas? I do not believe that his fate was sealed. Judas had a choice to do the right thing and that was to go back to Jesus and ask for forgiveness. Yes, the authorities still would have killed Jesus because they were bent on doing so but Judas would be a freeman spiritually speaking. God always gives us a chance to repent and turn back to him. Judas did not have to go hang himself because that was what he did.
2. Now Jesus is brought before Pilate the governor. What a mock trial and display of injustice. The governor then represented the Roman power and authorities of Caesar. The last thing Rome wanted to hear was that there was a riot so the governors for various regions did a good job to appease the people in order to keep their own jobs. Pilate was doing exactly that. Pilate had no intention of releasing Jesus because he clearly understood the consequences. The Scripture said, “When Pilate saw that he could not prevail at all, but rather that a tumult was rising, he took water and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, “I am innocent of the blood of this just Person” vs. 24. What an outward gesture but an inward lie. How could he be innocent? Even Pilate’s wife warned him of the innocence of Jesus. See vs.19.
3. I see a Pilate in all of us. Without Christ dwelling richly in us, we are afraid to do the right thing because of suffering the consequences. There will always be a price for doing the right thing and for obeying the voice of God. Do not let anyone fool you. Jesus paid the ultimate price for doing good and we will not be exceptions as his followers. Paul said, "But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ. 8 Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith; 10 that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death, 11 if, by any means, I may attain to the resurrection from the dead” (Philippians 3:7-11). This is the right perspective that is lacking in today’s Church. Everyone wants the Christ without the Cross. May God help us.
4. Pilate knew exactly what the people wanted and that is what he offered to them. Pilate, it is said has this as his custom (see vs.15). He asked, “Which of the two do you want me to release to you?” Of course the people want Jesus crucified and they chose Barabbas to be released. It is politics as usual and it did not start today with the democrats or republicans. The politicians know exactly what the people want to hear and they feed it to them even when it is all lies. It is happening today. People want to call it “pro choice” but not “abortion” or the killing of an innocent baby. The people love it and the politicians are rewarded and re-elected and our babies are being murdered in millions. May God help us and forgive us.
5. Who then is Barabbas? It said, “At that time they had a notorious prisoner called Barabbas” vs.16. Did you hear that – notorious? Mark gives us more detail. “And there was one named Barabbas, who was chained with his fellow rebels; they had committed murder in the rebellion” (Mark 15:7). Barabbas was a murderer and a gang leader. He was not expecting to come out alive from prison. He was destined for the cross to be crucified.
6. Can you see a picture and a type for all of humanity in Barabbas? We all have sinned and deserved the rightful judgment which is death forever. Barabbas did not do anything to be released. It was pure luck. I would say it was the grace of God at work. Literally speaking, Jesus paid for Barabbas and died his death. Barabbas was spared immediate physical death because he must have eventually died because he is not here today. The real issue is whether he eventually got released from the everlasting death for his sin. It is not enough to escape physical death. We will all eventually die physical death if Christ does not return before we die.
7. Notice another poor choice of the people. The people were willing to have a murderer released but two “’robbers or thieves” were crucified alongside Jesus (see vs. 38). This is twisted justice. Killing and stealing cannot have the same level of punishment. What is this telling us? There is so much injustice in the world we live in. There would be a day when Christ will return to judge the world rightly. Even while on the Cross, one of the thieves repents and he is received into the kingdom of God. 39 “Then one of the criminals who were hanged blasphemed Him, saying, “If You are the Christ,[j] save Yourself and us.” 40 But the other, answering, rebuked him, saying, “Do you not even fear God, seeing you are under the same condemnation? 41 And we indeed justly, for we receive the due reward of our deeds; but this Man has done nothing wrong.” 42 Then he said to Jesus, “Lord,[k] remember me when You come into Your kingdom.” 43 And Jesus said to him, “Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.”(Luke 23:39-43). With God, all things are possible, so do not write off anyone yet. Lets pray for the most obstinate, perhaps God may have mercy.
Why are we studying and endeavoring to understand the events of Jesus Christ’s life, death, burial, resurrection and ascension? It is because the story of Jesus is the story of the Gospel, (good news) of our reconciled relationship to God as a result of his death and resurrection. After all what is eternal life than knowing and relating to God as a child of God:
1 “Jesus spoke these words, lifted up His eyes to heaven, and said: “Father, the hour has come. Glorify Your Son, that Your Son also may glorify You, 2 as You have given Him authority over all flesh, that He should[a] give eternal life to as many as You have given Him. 3 And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent. 4 I have glorified You on the earth. I have finished the work which You have given Me to do” (John 17:1-4).
Do you know the “only true God”? Do you know Jesus Christ? Do you have eternal life?
Lord Jesus, I thank you for finishing your work on the Cross. Thank you for exchanging your righteous life for my sinful life and for granting me eternal life. Amen.
In our study for today we come across what I consider the greatest exchange the world has ever made. In fact the world is still making this similar exchange as we speak. The greatest exchange is the exchange and trading of Barabbas, a murderer for Jesus, the innocent. Pilate, the governor asked the people whom he should release or free from execution and the people overwhelmingly chose Barabbas over Jesus Christ. Who is Barabbas and what did he do to deserve this honor? You would say that Barabbas was the luckiest person on that very day.
It is very easy to quickly see the wrong choice by the people and the injustice heaped on Jesus. But for a moment, I would like us to see ourselves in Barabbas. We have so much in common with Barabbas. Do you think you are more righteous than Barabbas? Let’s read on and make more observation from Scripture.
Matthew 27:1-46
1 When morning came, all the chief priests and elders of the people plotted against Jesus to put Him to death. 2 And when they had bound Him, they led Him away and delivered Him to Pontius[a] Pilate the governor.
3 Then Judas, His betrayer, seeing that He had been condemned, was remorseful and brought back the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders, 4 saying, “I have sinned by betraying innocent blood.”
And they said, “What is that to us? You see to it!”
5 Then he threw down the pieces of silver in the temple and departed, and went and hanged himself. 6 But the chief priests took the silver pieces and said, “It is not lawful to put them into the treasury, because they are the price of blood.” 7 And they consulted together and bought with them the potter’s field, to bury strangers in. 8 Therefore that field has been called the Field of Blood to this day.
9 Then was fulfilled what was spoken by Jeremiah the prophet, saying, “And they took the thirty pieces of silver, the value of Him who was priced, whom they of the children of Israel priced, 10 and gave them for the potter’s field, as the LORD directed me.”[b]
11 Now Jesus stood before the governor. And the governor asked Him, saying, “Are You the King of the Jews?”
Jesus said to him, “It is as you say.” 12 And while He was being accused by the chief priests and elders, He answered nothing.
13 Then Pilate said to Him, “Do You not hear how many things they testify against You?” 14 But He answered him not one word, so that the governor marveled greatly.
15 Now at the feast the governor was accustomed to releasing to the multitude one prisoner whom they wished. 16 And at that time they had a notorious prisoner called Barabbas.[c] 17 Therefore, when they had gathered together, Pilate said to them, “Whom do you want me to release to you? Barabbas, or Jesus who is called Christ?” 18 For he knew that they had handed Him over because of envy.
19 While he was sitting on the judgment seat, his wife sent to him, saying, “Have nothing to do with that just Man, for I have suffered many things today in a dream because of Him.”
20 But the chief priests and elders persuaded the multitudes that they should ask for Barabbas and destroy Jesus. 21 The governor answered and said to them, “Which of the two do you want me to release to you?”
They said, “Barabbas!” 22 Pilate said to them, “What then shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ?”
They all said to him, “Let Him be crucified!”
23 Then the governor said, “Why, what evil has He done?”
But they cried out all the more, saying, “Let Him be crucified!”
24 When Pilate saw that he could not prevail at all, but rather that a tumult was rising, he took water and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, “I am innocent of the blood of this just Person.[d] You see to it.” 25 And all the people answered and said, “His blood be on us and on our children.” 26 Then he released Barabbas to them; and when he had scourged Jesus, he delivered Him to be crucified.
27 Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the Praetorium and gathered the whole garrison around Him. 28 And they stripped Him and put a scarlet robe on Him. 29 When they had twisted a crown of thorns, they put it on His head, and a reed in His right hand. And they bowed the knee before Him and mocked Him, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!” 30 Then they spat on Him, and took the reed and struck Him on the head. 31 And when they had mocked Him, they took the robe off Him, put His own clothes on Him, and led Him away to be crucified.
32 Now as they came out, they found a man of Cyrene, Simon by name. Him they compelled to bear His cross. 33 And when they had come to a place called Golgotha, that is to say, Place of a Skull, 34 they gave Him sour[e] wine mingled with gall to drink. But when He had tasted it, He would not drink. 35 Then they crucified Him, and divided His garments, casting lots,[f] that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet:
“ They divided My garments among them, And for My clothing they cast lots.”[g] 36 Sitting down, they kept watch over Him there. 37 And they put up over His head the accusation written against Him:
THIS IS JESUS THE KING OF THE JEWS.
38 Then two robbers were crucified with Him, one on the right and another on the left.39 And those who passed by blasphemed Him, wagging their heads 40 and saying, “You who destroy the temple and build it in three days, save Yourself! If You are the Son of God, come down from the cross.”
41 Likewise the chief priests also, mocking with the scribes and elders,[h] said, 42 “He saved others; Himself He cannot save. If He is the King of Israel,[i] let Him now come down from the cross, and we will believe Him.[j] 43 He trusted in God; let Him deliver Him now if He will have Him; for He said, ‘I am the Son of God.’” 44 Even the robbers who were crucified with Him reviled Him with the same thing.
Here are my observations in addition to the ones you may have:
1. Notice that even Judas the one who betrayed Jesus declared him innocent (see vs. 4). Judas acknowledged that he had “sinned”. Was that enough? The Scripture said he was “remorseful and brought back the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders”vs.3. What would have been a true repentance for Judas? I do not believe that his fate was sealed. Judas had a choice to do the right thing and that was to go back to Jesus and ask for forgiveness. Yes, the authorities still would have killed Jesus because they were bent on doing so but Judas would be a freeman spiritually speaking. God always gives us a chance to repent and turn back to him. Judas did not have to go hang himself because that was what he did.
2. Now Jesus is brought before Pilate the governor. What a mock trial and display of injustice. The governor then represented the Roman power and authorities of Caesar. The last thing Rome wanted to hear was that there was a riot so the governors for various regions did a good job to appease the people in order to keep their own jobs. Pilate was doing exactly that. Pilate had no intention of releasing Jesus because he clearly understood the consequences. The Scripture said, “When Pilate saw that he could not prevail at all, but rather that a tumult was rising, he took water and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, “I am innocent of the blood of this just Person” vs. 24. What an outward gesture but an inward lie. How could he be innocent? Even Pilate’s wife warned him of the innocence of Jesus. See vs.19.
3. I see a Pilate in all of us. Without Christ dwelling richly in us, we are afraid to do the right thing because of suffering the consequences. There will always be a price for doing the right thing and for obeying the voice of God. Do not let anyone fool you. Jesus paid the ultimate price for doing good and we will not be exceptions as his followers. Paul said, "But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ. 8 Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith; 10 that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death, 11 if, by any means, I may attain to the resurrection from the dead” (Philippians 3:7-11). This is the right perspective that is lacking in today’s Church. Everyone wants the Christ without the Cross. May God help us.
4. Pilate knew exactly what the people wanted and that is what he offered to them. Pilate, it is said has this as his custom (see vs.15). He asked, “Which of the two do you want me to release to you?” Of course the people want Jesus crucified and they chose Barabbas to be released. It is politics as usual and it did not start today with the democrats or republicans. The politicians know exactly what the people want to hear and they feed it to them even when it is all lies. It is happening today. People want to call it “pro choice” but not “abortion” or the killing of an innocent baby. The people love it and the politicians are rewarded and re-elected and our babies are being murdered in millions. May God help us and forgive us.
5. Who then is Barabbas? It said, “At that time they had a notorious prisoner called Barabbas” vs.16. Did you hear that – notorious? Mark gives us more detail. “And there was one named Barabbas, who was chained with his fellow rebels; they had committed murder in the rebellion” (Mark 15:7). Barabbas was a murderer and a gang leader. He was not expecting to come out alive from prison. He was destined for the cross to be crucified.
6. Can you see a picture and a type for all of humanity in Barabbas? We all have sinned and deserved the rightful judgment which is death forever. Barabbas did not do anything to be released. It was pure luck. I would say it was the grace of God at work. Literally speaking, Jesus paid for Barabbas and died his death. Barabbas was spared immediate physical death because he must have eventually died because he is not here today. The real issue is whether he eventually got released from the everlasting death for his sin. It is not enough to escape physical death. We will all eventually die physical death if Christ does not return before we die.
7. Notice another poor choice of the people. The people were willing to have a murderer released but two “’robbers or thieves” were crucified alongside Jesus (see vs. 38). This is twisted justice. Killing and stealing cannot have the same level of punishment. What is this telling us? There is so much injustice in the world we live in. There would be a day when Christ will return to judge the world rightly. Even while on the Cross, one of the thieves repents and he is received into the kingdom of God. 39 “Then one of the criminals who were hanged blasphemed Him, saying, “If You are the Christ,[j] save Yourself and us.” 40 But the other, answering, rebuked him, saying, “Do you not even fear God, seeing you are under the same condemnation? 41 And we indeed justly, for we receive the due reward of our deeds; but this Man has done nothing wrong.” 42 Then he said to Jesus, “Lord,[k] remember me when You come into Your kingdom.” 43 And Jesus said to him, “Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.”(Luke 23:39-43). With God, all things are possible, so do not write off anyone yet. Lets pray for the most obstinate, perhaps God may have mercy.
Why are we studying and endeavoring to understand the events of Jesus Christ’s life, death, burial, resurrection and ascension? It is because the story of Jesus is the story of the Gospel, (good news) of our reconciled relationship to God as a result of his death and resurrection. After all what is eternal life than knowing and relating to God as a child of God:
1 “Jesus spoke these words, lifted up His eyes to heaven, and said: “Father, the hour has come. Glorify Your Son, that Your Son also may glorify You, 2 as You have given Him authority over all flesh, that He should[a] give eternal life to as many as You have given Him. 3 And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent. 4 I have glorified You on the earth. I have finished the work which You have given Me to do” (John 17:1-4).
Do you know the “only true God”? Do you know Jesus Christ? Do you have eternal life?
Lord Jesus, I thank you for finishing your work on the Cross. Thank you for exchanging your righteous life for my sinful life and for granting me eternal life. Amen.
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