Hundred Guilder Print, 1649 by Rembrandt
This blog entry was written by Mandie. I consider Mandie and her family as dear friends and fellow servants of the Lord. They are members of Mount Zion Road Church and most importantly, they are faithful followers of our Lord and King, Jesus Christ. I am thankful and blessed that she was willing to allow me to post this entry on my website. Mandie encourages all of us to recognize the covenant relationship we can have with our Savior, Jesus. This relationship is one that we must pursue intentionally and with purpose as we grow in faith. I pray that you find her words to be a blessing as you read. To God be the glory!
“Now at that feast he released to them one prisoner, whomsoever they desired.” (Mark 15:6) The crowd called for Barabbas (Luke 23:18, John 19:40). Barabbas over Jesus.
Recently I had the chance to look into the meaning of the word “Barabbas”. The Strong’s definition of Barabbas (G912) means “son of abba, an Israelite”. The Strong’s definition of Abba (G5) is the Aramaic word for “father”. Barabbas and Jesus- both sons of their fathers. One, we know, was the son of Father God. But what about Barabbas? Surely he was a good man to be chosen to be released from prison by a multitude? The Biblical text tells us a few things. In Matthew 27:16, we read that he was a notorious prisoner. In Mark 5:7, he was a rebel who had committed murder in the insurrection. In Luke 23:18, he was in prison for an insurrection started in the city and for murder. And in John 18:40, that he was a robber. At this point, I stop and think, who else does this sound like? May I suggest, the enemy of our souls? As John 10:10a says “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy”. Could Barabbas have been symbolic of the son of the father of lies? In John 8 we see a conversation between Jesus and Pharisees. He told them that by trying to kill Him they were doing the works of their father (8:40-41). He went on to say “You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies (8:44).
The deeds of the flesh include such things as Barabbas committed (Galatians 5:19-21). Things we, too, are capable of committing. I see this Biblical account as highlighting the struggle between our flesh and the Spirit- at conflict and battle within us (Romans 7:18-21). Which do we walk in?
The choice of whom to allow to go free that Passover, years ago, was between a murderer, who took life, and the Author of life who gives life. They chose Barabbas over Jesus. From Judas to Barabbas, just two of the men who the enemy used to carry out his scheme. We, of course, know that God had His own plan running simultaneously. The Biblical text tells us that Pilate was aware that Jesus was delivered over out of envy or self-interest (Matthew 27:18) and that the chief priests and elders persuaded the multitude that they should ask for Barabbas, and destroy Jesus (Matthew 27:20). We have the same choice every day. Do we also allow ourselves to be persuaded by those that have power or influence over us, over the culture at large? The choice is between our flesh or the Spirit. The choice between death or life. “For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. Instead, live like the Lord Jesus Christ did, and forget about satisfying the desires of your sinful nature.” (Romans 8:6, 13 & 13:14).
Everyday may we break from the crowd, choose to be holy as He is holy (Leviticus 11:44, 1 Peter 1:16) and choose Jesus over Barabbas in our hearts and minds. Our new nature in Christ over our old sinful nature. Freedom in Christ over the bondage of sin. May you be blessed this season as we remember our Lord and Savior who died to take away the sins of the world, our sins. Alive and living today in us who believe! Hallelujah, He is risen!
“I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” (John 10:10b)
Mandie
The image associated with this blog is an etching by Rembrandt. It is referred to as the Hundred Guilder Print. The etching depicts Jesus teaching. It was inspired from Mathew chapter 19.
Corby Shuey 