JOHN 18
John 18 is a major inflection point in the gospel of John. Jesus has been arrested, and now he is standing before the court for His trial. As the insane hearing comes to a conclusion, the governor gives the crowd one final chance to let Jesus go. He offers the crowd a violent criminal named Barabas or Jesus and asks, “Which one should I set free?” The cruel crowd chants, “Give us Barabbas” (18:40).
How insane is this? Barabbas was a homicidal criminal! Jesus spent His whole ministry loving the unlovable, healing the hurt, and preaching peace. Barabbas stole, killed, and destroyed lives. How confusing is this? The criminal is pardoned, and Christ is punished? Are these people crazy? How could they let the blameless One replace Barabbas?
As I analyzed this somber excuse for a fair trial, I realized something that made my heart sink. I am Barabbas. I was the rebel heading towards punishment, but Jesus took my place. I was a dead man walking. I was unable to break free from my chains. I was on a road that lead to destruction, yet Jesus changed the ending of my story.
The same is true for you. Jesus took on the punishment you deserve so that you could live in freedom. Jesus took on your pain so that you could know healing. Jesus faced excruciating death so that you could experience eternal life.