Luke 23:13-25
13 Pilate called together the chief priests, the rulers and the people, 14 and said to them, ‘You brought me this man as one who was inciting the people to rebellion. I have examined him in your presence and have found no basis for your charges against him. 15 Neither has Herod, for he sent him back to us; as you can see, he has done nothing to deserve death. 16 Therefore, I will punish him and then release him.’
18 But the whole crowd shouted, ‘Away with this man! Release Barabbas to us!’ 19 (Barabbas had been thrown into prison for an insurrection in the city, and for murder.)
20 Wanting to release Jesus, Pilate appealed to them again. 21 But they kept shouting, ‘Crucify him! Crucify him!’
22 For the third time he spoke to them: ‘Why? What crime has this man committed? I have found in him no grounds for the death penalty. Therefore I will have him punished and then release him.’
23 But with loud shouts they insistently demanded that he be crucified, and their shouts prevailed. 24 So Pilate decided to grant their demand. 25 He released the man who had been thrown into prison for insurrection and murder, the one they asked for, and surrendered Jesus to their will.
During the Jewish feast of Passover, it was the Roman custom to release a prisoner on death row.
Pilate suggests the release of Jesus.
The crowds scream for Barabbas’ release instead.
They shout for Jesus to be crucified.
1.
What does Luke emphasise in his descriptions of Jesus and Barabbas?
2.
How do you think Barabbas would have felt as he stood released from his chains, watching Jesus being led to his death?
Christians throughout history have identified themselves with Barabbas. They know they deserve judgement. They know that Jesus is perfectly innocent. And yet Jesus steps in to be judged in their place.
3.
How easy do you find it to relate to Barabbas?
Look again at the artwork.
Does anything different stand out to you?