Barabbas

In Psalm 1 we are introduced to a man who is both blessed and righteous. In contrast to this man there are those whose activities are marked out as ungodly. Our reading today adequately illustrates this difference as the Lord Jesus stands in silent dignity while unrighteous men plot and scheme against Him.

As the sun rose upon the most significant day in human history, the ‘counsel of the ungodly’ was heard planning how best to put the Lord Jesus to death. Verses 3 to 10 of this chapter are a parenthesis in which ‘the way of sinners’ is clearly seen in the actions of Judas, and then of the chief priests as they gathered up the ‘reward of iniquity’, Acts 1. 18, from the temple floor and purchased the potter’s field as a salve to their conscience. ‘The seat of the scornful’ is occupied by Pontius Pilate, no doubt in ill humour, having been called upon to give judgement at such an early hour. With a curl of the lip he asked, without any serious interest in the reply, ‘Art thou the King of the Jews?’

Pilate no doubt thought that by invoking the tradition of releasing a Passover prisoner, he could soon be rid of this case. Surely the chief priests would not take sides with Barabbas, one condemned for capital crimes even by their own law? To show support for an insurrectionist was to oppose the Roman authorities openly. However much they hated the occupying power in private, the rulers and chief priests were not troubled too much under Rome, and sympathy for Barabbas could easily jeopardize their position.

The message brought to Pilate from his wife served only to increase his irritation. The superstitious Romans placed great emphasis on dreams, and this was not helping! Pilate no doubt felt that he was being out-manoeuvred, and for the second time he offered the choice, Barabbas or Jesus. The chief priests had, however, persuaded the multitude to unite in their preference, causing Pilate to exclaim in frustration the words which have echoed down the centuries, ‘What shall I do then with Jesus which is called Christ?’ Many today are still saying, ‘Let him be crucified’, and no amount of water would cleanse the blood from Pilate’s hands or dilute his responsibility, Acts 4. 27.