"Barabbas" - written by Leigh Riches
2003 Oakden Baptist Church

As he looked at the four walls of his cell, the prisoner new that the end of his life was near. Not that long ago he had been a free man, but certainly not a good man.

He was a rebel and a troublemaker. He had stolen on numerous occasions, he hated authority and had lured others into a life of crime during an attempted revolt. It was during this time that he had done his worst - murder - a crime which was punishable by certain death.

There was no denying it, he was a guilty man and was at the top of the list that made up death-row. There was a couple of other criminals awaiting a similar punishment, petty thieves that had also been caught and tried, but neither was as notorious or deserving of death as he was. Death to this man was inevitable and close - in fact he had heard that two or three were to be chosen in the next day or so.

Suddenly a guard marched swiftly toward his cell, turned the key and opened the door. This was the moment he had been dreading, it was time to pay the price for a lifetime of selfishness and crime.

The guard unshackled him and led him out of the prison door and up some stairs - his punishment - his death, would soon be imminent. Slowly the guard turned to him, put his hand on his shoulder and pushed him into the daylight.

The criminal was brought out onto a high balcony and there before him was the Roman Governor himself..... and, to the side, another man who looked badly beaten. The governor addressed the crowd of people who gathered below the balcony. “Which one do you want me to release to you: Barabbas, or Jesus?”. To the amazement of the criminal the crowd started to shout his name: “Barabbas, Barrabas.... free Barabbas”. Finally, the Governor turned and began to wash his hands. The Guard led Barabbas down the stairs, and in a gruff voice muttered “You’re free to go.... They’re punishing that man instead”.

The criminal looked at the man which the guard had pointed to. He looked as though he was almost dead from the beating he had already suffered. “What’s he done?” Barabbas asked the guard. “Nothing” the guard replied, “except for saying that He was the Son of God..... And now he’s taking YOUR place on the cross today.”

A criminal, a sinner, a guilty man who deserves retribution, punishment and death - is set free. Instead the perfect, sinless Son of God takes his place amongst the three that were to be crucified that day. As incredible and wrong as this seems, we see the same amazing story played out again again every day. The guilt, punishment and sin of man is forgiven by God because His Son Jesus Christ has paid the price, and taken the punishment that we deserved.