Give Me Barabbas!
May
26
Written by:
Wednesday, May 26, 2010 8:49 PM
John 18:38-40 38"What is truth?" Pilate asked. With this he went out again to the Jews and said, "I find no basis for a charge against him. 39But it is your custom for me to release to you one prisoner at the time of the Passover. Do you want me to release 'the king of the Jews'?"
40They shouted back, "No, not him! Give us Barabbas!" Now Barabbas had taken part in a rebellion.
I used to become quite indignant when I would reach this part of the crucifixion story in scripture. Why, oh why would people scream out to have a known terrorist released back into their presence when they could cry out for the release of the Prince of Peace? Well we all know the reasons why things happened, and Jesus knew it too. He was not a helpless victim in a huge conspiracy. He had all of the angels of heaven at His command. No, He knew exactly what was happening and what was to come, and He faced it with a grace, courage and dignity that had never before been witnessed by men!
In Bible study when we reached John 18, I eagerly awaited to see what our teaching leader would say to to address this text. Surely she would lambaste these crazy loons for asking for a known murderer to be released back into their presence! She didn't. Her words really bothered me for a while, and it wasn't until we spent nearly a month studying in depth, word by word, the details of the crucifixion that I finally understood why it bothered me. I should say I understood it more, but I know I still have a long way to go.
My leader said "Give us Barabbas is what they cried because we all know what to do with a killer! We all know what to do with a terrorist! We get bigger guns or better weapons! We can take him on. They didn't want Jesus released because how do you deal with Jesus? How can you solve a problem like that?"
Ouch!
As I continued in my study and in my prayers each day I began to realize that I too am very much a "release Barabbas to me" kind of person. For years I worked in children's mental health. I was known for being a fierce advocate for abused children. Give me an abused child, and I knew what to do with the abuser. I knew how to use the system against him or her. I knew the child's rights. I knew my own position as a social worker, and the best part was I knew I was doing the right thing without a doubt. I still do not doubt that, but my tenacity was not founded in my confidence in Christ, but rather in my own confidence in dealing with my daily Barabbas-types. Release them to me! It was a piece of cake.
I then began to overlay my fierceness in the courtroom with the Cross of Jesus. I had a problem. As I envisioned it in my mind here I was in the courtroom just like in my glory days of advocacy. Jesus was with me. He was wounded beyond belief. I was looking for my Barabbas. Where was the person responsible for this atrocity? Who could maim and wound someone as beautiful as Jesus? I knew the answer in my heart. It's an answer that I have known for many years, but it becomes more and more painful as I grow. Jesus did not need an advocate. He is the advocate. I was at a loss for my own indignation because I was Barabbas. I was the defendant and I was guilty in my sin. It was one of the first times I was able to release some of the anger and hurt I had suffered from dealing with those abused babies over the years. I had grown oblivious to the anger I was carrying from the stories I carried with me over the years. The children I dealt with then are all grown up, but in my mind and heart they are still abused and helpless children. I was finally able to stand in the confidence of my Lord and not myself, and in that I could let go. It was a relief.
So, how do you solve a problem like Jesus? The only solution I have found on this long journey of faith is to worship Him, wonder in his Glory, and love His Word. If you do that you have to entrust Him with your hurts and your anger. It only makes sense.
Copyright ©2010 Claire Shackelford