19 While he was sitting on the judge’s bench, his wife sent word to him, “Have nothing to do with that righteous man, for today I’ve suffered terribly in a dream because of him.”20 The chief priests and the elders, however, persuaded the crowds to ask for Barabbas and to execute Jesus. 21 The governor asked them, “Which of the two do you want me to release for you? ” Barabbas! ” they answered. 22 Pilate asked them, “What should I do then with Jesus, who is called Christ? ”They all answered, “Crucify him! ”23 Then he said, “Why? What has he done wrong? ”But they kept shouting all the more, “Crucify him! ”24 When Pilate saw that he was getting nowhere, but that a riot was starting instead, he took some water, washed his hands in front of the crowd, and said, “I am innocent of this man’s blood. See to it yourselves! ”25 All the people answered, “His blood be on us and on our children! ” 26 Then he released Barabbas to them and, after having Jesus flogged, handed him over to be crucified.

Matthew 27:19-26

Set Free

Today we continue our deep dive into the life of Barabbas and his interaction with Jesus as recorded in Matthew 27:19-26.In review, Matthew situates Barabbas and Jesus side by side and there are some unmistakable parallels and differences between the two men:BARABBASJESUS

• Name literally means "son of a father" in a simple, human sense.

• Jesus is the Heavenly Son of The Father

• Leader of a physical revolution against Rome

• Leader of a spiritual revolution against sin, darkness, and death

• A murderer

• Giver of Life

• Guilty

• Guiltless

While Barabbas appears to be clear man for conviction, against all odds, against the pleas of Pilate's wife (v.19), against the push back of Pilate himself (v.22-23),Barabbas is set free while Jesus is flogged and handed over to be crucified (v.25). Barabbas is set free. Barabbas is released. Jesus is convicted as guilty. Jesus is punished. Jesus is sentenced to the cross.The powerful truth of this passage is this:

God treats Jesus like Barabbas, in order to treat Barabbas like Jesus.

The same is true for us today.God has chosen to place our sin on Jesus, in order to place Jesus's righteousness on us.We, too, have been set free. We, too, have been released. Jesus chose to wear our sin and shame and be punished for our offenses in order that we would be made right with God.May we rejoice today, that like Barabbas, Jesus has taken our place and we have been set free!