Give Us Barabbas!

The choice between Jesus Christ and Barabbas, as recorded in the Gospels (e.g., Matthew 27:15–26, Mark 15:6–15, Luke 23:18–25, and John 18:38–40), is one of the most striking moments in biblical history. At the trial before Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor offered the crowd a choice: release Jesus, the so-called “King of the Jews,” or Barabbas, a convicted criminal and insurrectionist. Surprisingly, the people demanded Barabbas while shouting for Jesus to be crucified. What were the political, social, theological, and spiritual reasons why the people chose Barabbas over Christ, the Prince of Peace?

The religious believers of the first century were under Roman occupation and longed for a deliverer who would free them from oppression. Many believed that the Messiah would be a military leader like King David, someone who would overthrow the Romans and restore Israel’s political sovereignty.

Barabbas was exactly the kind of figure they expected—a revolutionary who had participated in an uprising (Mark 15:7). He was likely seen as a hero, a patriot fighting against Rome. In contrast, Jesus preached love for enemies (Matthew 5:44), submission to authorities (Matthew 22:21), and a kingdom “not of this world” (John 18:36). His refusal to take up arms made Him appear weak and unfit for the role of a messianic liberator. Thus, the people preferred the militant Barabbas over the peaceful Christ.

Many religious believers, including the religious leaders, misunderstood the nature of Jesus’ mission. While Jesus spoke of a spiritual kingdom and reconciliation with God, they expected a political deliverer. When Jesus failed to meet their expectations—riding humbly on a donkey instead of a warhorse (Matthew 21:1–11), preaching servanthood rather than conquest (Mark 10:45)—he disappointed them.

Barabbas, by contrast, represented the kind of messiah they desired: one who resisted Rome through violence. Their preference for Barabbas over Jesus reveals their fundamental misreading of God’s plan. Instead of seeing Jesus as the true fulfillment of messianic prophecy, they saw him as a threat to their hopes and aspirations.

The chief priests and elders played a crucial role in persuading the crowd to choose Barabbas (Matthew 27:20). These religious leaders saw Jesus as a challenge to their authority. His teachings exposed their hypocrisy (Matthew 23), and his growing popularity threatened their influence. They had long sought to eliminate Him, and this was their opportunity.

By stirring up the crowd, they ensured that Jesus, rather than Barabbas, would face execution. The people, swayed by their leaders, likely followed the prevailing opinion without fully grasping the gravity of their choice. This manipulation shows how easily public opinion can be shaped by those in power, even when the decision is morally and spiritually disastrous.

Pilate himself knew that Jesus was innocent and that He had been handed over “out of envy” (Mark 15:10). However, when he presented the choice between Jesus and Barabbas, he was attempting to pacify the crowd. If they chose Jesus, Pilate could release Him without angering the religious leaders.

However, when the crowd demanded Barabbas, Pilate feared a riot (Matthew 27:24). The Roman governor, though in a position of power, was ultimately a politician seeking to maintain order. If he released Jesus against the people’s will, it could have led to unrest, which might have endangered his own position before Caesar. To appease the people and protect himself, Pilate gave them what they wanted, even though it meant condemning an innocent man.

Beyond the political and social reasons, there is a deeper theological truth at play: humanity’s natural inclination toward sin and rejection of God. The rejection of Jesus in favor of Barabbas is symbolic of humanity’s broader rejection of God’s rule. As John’s Gospel states, “He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him” (John 1:11).

The crowd’s choice of Barabbas over Jesus represents the fallen human tendency to prefer violence over peace, rebellion over submission to God, and sin over righteousness. The people chose a criminal rather than the sinless Son of God because they were blind to the truth (2 Corinthians 4:4). This choice reflects the ongoing human struggle between following God’s ways or the world’s ways.

Ironically, by choosing Barabbas, the people unknowingly fulfilled divine prophecy. Isaiah 53:3–7 foretold that the Messiah would be despised, rejected, and led like a lamb to the slaughter. Jesus had to be rejected in order for God’s redemptive plan to be fulfilled. It continues to be this way: through the weak and beggarly things, God overthrows the aspirations of power and the justifications for violence. The Lamb will always conquer the dragon.

The choice of Barabbas over Jesus was driven by political expectations, religious misunderstanding, manipulation by leaders, fear of a foreign power, and humanity’s sinful nature. Yet, in the midst of this tragic decision, God was at work. This pattern has repeated itself multiple times in the generations that have followed that demand for Barabbas. The people of God are normally on the wrong side of God and history. This leads to the eventual demise of whatever version of Christendom is in power. Christianity has been pronounced dead many times throughout history. Thankfully, our God knows his way out of the grave. While I feel like we are caught up in a spiritual version of Ground Hog Day, I must look beyond what I see to see him who rules over all and is continuing to follow the way of the cross and the grave and the resurrection. This is the way of the Lamb, and he cannot deny himself.