Its Good Friday, and Good Friday is not complete without looking to the main event of Jesus crucified. In the middle of history was an account of Barabbas. All we know about him was that he committed a crime worthy to be put to death in his time. He was known to be a revolutionary trying to overturn the government, a murderer, a rioter, and even a robber. He was a man who used violence to achieve his objectives. But this man had an interesting name - Barabbas or Bar Abba means son of the father. There were even records that his complete name was Yeshua Bar Abba which means Jesus son of the father. Amazing. Barabbas was a key character whose execution was replaced by our Lord Jesus during the Jewish Passover custom. It was unthinkable that the crowd insisted Barabbas to be released and Jesus crucified. Yet this brought up the ultimate evil in humanity. We want it our way! It is easy to read such a record and distance ourselves from the unreasonable crowd by saying, "I would never do that." That was how the Pharisees viewed themselves and were rebuked (Matthew webby 29-36). The best thing to do is to remember the same exchange that happened for us. Our Lord Jesus bore our sins and was punished on our behalf. We are a form of Barabbas. Each time you call yourself a child of God, be reminded that we were set free, as Barabbas was.

May we never think that we are better than the mocking crowd. May we never live by the righteousness of the Pharisees. May we remember that we were once Barabbas and that Jesus took our place of death. If you not experienced this liberty, you have to ask yourself, "Are you a Barabbas?)