Pilate, knowing it was out of self-interest that the chief priests had
handed Jesus over to him. But the chief priests stirred up the crowd to
have Pilate release Barabbas instead. (Mark 15: 9-11)
Why does the gospel writer include this incident in the story of Jesus’
last days? Is Pilate being sarcastic when he refers to Jesus as “King
of the Jews?” Why were the chief priests “jealous,” and of whom?
Who was Barabbas? Why is this story important to the gospel, and
why should we pay attention to it today?
Let’s think about Pilate first. As Roman governor of Judea, his job
was to keep the peace, and in Roman parlance that meant making
sure all citizens acknowledged Caesar as their ruler. To fail to do so
resulted in death. Jesus was a rabble rouser, questioning the
authority of Rome and fomenting unrest in the streets. Those who
saw Him as the Messiah hoped that He would become king.
Revolution against Rome was brewing and Jesus was stirring the pot.
Pilate feared the mob.
He didn’t want to be responsible for the results if he crucified this
man without the approval of the local authorities and the support of
the mob.
What about the chief priests? Their job was political, but the
emphasis was on keeping the sanctity of the temple. Jesus had been
making statements about the temple falling - the greatest sacrilege.
They wanted to be rid of the trouble maker. So they asked for
Barabbas, another probable rebel. Why? Why trade one rebel for
another?
The annotation in the New Oxford Annotated Bible (NRSV) states that
there is no mention outside of the New Testament of the practice of
releasing a prisoner at the time of Passover. So, Mark may have
intended this story to be symbolic in some way. What about
Barabbas? The Harper Collins Bible Dictionary says that the name
Barabbas means “son of the father.” If he is Everyman, Jesus’ act of
saving him may have been His first act as savior of all sons of the
Father.
So what’s the “take away” from this story? Have you ever been seen
as a trouble maker? Have you been looked down on or rejected for
your beliefs? Have you looked upon those who hold different views as
dangerous? Has fear or jealousy motivated your thoughts or actions?
Lord, help us to see the familiar face of Jesus in faces unfamiliar or
frightening to us. Help us to stand for justice and peace.
Vicki Parker
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