On Friday morning, 33 AD, the Roman governor of Judea, Pontius Pilate, set known terrorist Barabbas free from prison. Barabbas, an insurrectionist of the Zealots and a murderer, had been due to be crucified by local Roman authorities, but after a strange turn of events, was allowed to leave prison after having his sentence commuted.
Barabbas, known only by his first name, means Son of the Father. When asked about his freedom upon leaving the filthy prison, Barabbas, looking gaunt and dirty, had a surprised smirk on his face. “I have no idea why I was let go. But who cares! I’m ready to go and meet up with my friends and celebrate!”
When told that a man name Jesus was set to be crucified instead of him, Barabbas asked, “So, what did HE do?”
After hearing that Jesus had claimed to be the king of the Jews, Barabbas said, “It’s strange. The name Jesus means ‘Savior’. Man, I wish I’d known Him! We could have worked well together!” Jesus, a former carpenter from the little town of Bethlehem, had made statements such as, “I am the Way, the Truth and the Life” as well as, “No one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.” Barabbas had been convicted of killing several Roman citizens and causing riots in the city in order to overthrow the Roman government.
“Oh well,” he replied. “Better him than me!”
No word was given as to Barabbas’ future plans other than a statement of “back to my previous work” said with a wink. Jesus is set to be crucified later this day.
References: Matthew 27:15-26; Mark 15:7-15; Luke 23: 18-25; John 18:39-40; John 3:3, 14:6
The Haugh Herald 