Jesus Barabbas: A False Christ

August 22, 2022

ery little has been taught about this mysterious character Barabbas who suddenly appears, then disappears, and never heard of again. Not much information is provided about Barabbas in the gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. Barabbas appeared at a crucial time of Jesus’ trial. In fact, something special happened which will be demonstrated for the first time. Let’s get right to it. As Paul mentioned:

We speak of the mysterious and hidden wisdom of God, which He destined for our glory before time began. None of the rulers of this age understood it. For if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory (1 Corinthians 2:8).

Context

Jesus had been handed over for a trial before Pontius Pilate (a Roman Governor) by the chief priests, elders, teachers of the law and the whole Sanhedrin (a council of religious leaders) (Mark 15:1-5). Jesus was handed over because the Sanhedrin wanted Jesus killed but they could not do it themselves for both religious and political reasons. So, they schemed and planned his death by alleging that Jesus was a direct threat to the Roman Empire instead, which eventually led to a trial for capital punishment.

Actually, Pilate “knew that the chief priests had delivered him for envy” (Mark 15:10). All this occurred during Passover festival where Pontius released a prisoner as a tradition for the people. He offered either Jesus of Barabbas to be released. The priests stirred up the crowd to get Barabbas released and to get Jesus crucified.

Jesus and Barabbas' Trial before Roman Governor Pontius Pilate.

Contrast between Jesus and Barabbas

Let’s compare the characteristics of Jesus Christ and Jesus Barabbas.

Jesus

Son of God (Luke 1:35)
Saves lives (1 John 1:9)
Restores (1 Peter 5:10)
Redeems (I Corinthians 15 : 57)
Heals (Matthew 8:16)
Gentle (Matthew 11:29)
Kind / merciful (Acts 10:38)
Loves (Mark 10:21)
Gives life (John 14:6)
Forgives (Luke 23:34)
A Teacher (John 3:2)
Son of God (Mark 5:7)

Barabbas

Bar (Son) Abbas (of the father).
kills
was set free
prisoner in bondage
wounds – violent
insurrectionist
cruel (violent man)
hates by rebelling
takes away (murderer)
blames (a rioter)
rioter
Son of the father

Jesus Barabbas – A False Christ

Barabbas’ story actually exposes a clear contrast of character of Pontius Pilate, the Sanhedrin and the crowd against Jesus Christ who “committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth.” (1 Peter 2:22).

Pilate gave in to the crowd’s demand and released Barabbas, a false Jesus, a fake alternative. The crowd, chief priests and Pontius Pilate represent what God is against. Jesus taught us to be non-violent (unlike Barabbas), not to hate (unlike the priests) and not to take part of evil (unlike Pilate).

The priests misled people to choose a false Jesus. Barabbas’ name is misleading just like false doctrine but it sure sounds like the real deal yet in fact it is not. Just like false teaching or doctrine, it sounds somewhat true but in fact contains a twisted, manipulated and perverted version. In the Old Testament, the serpent deceived Eve into eating the forbidden fruit, the same way the priests misled people to get Barabbas released.

False vs Truth

See, something false here is getting exchanged for the truth (Jesus Christ). Remember Jesus said “I am the truth”. Now take a a look at this:

The cunning priests and Pilate (serpent) offered Barabbas (a false doctrine) to the people (Eve).

Similarly, Apostle Paul warned us about the serpent: “But I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent’s cunning, your minds may somehow be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ. For if someone comes to you and preaches a Jesus other than the Jesus we preached, or if you receive a different spirit from the Spirit you received, or a different gospel from the one you accepted, you put up with it easily enough (2 Corinthians 11).

Furthermore, “For false Christ’s and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect” (Matthew 24:24). Here’s a list of contemporary false Christ’s

Jesus of Siberia, Jesus of Brazil, Jesus of Australia, the list goes on!

Key Takeaways:

Understand, Innerstand and Overstand

Finally, it is important to know that the devil uses several cunning ways to mislead people. The Sanhedrin (religious leaders) at that time lied and conspired against Jesus to get him crucified. This account fully exposes the evil character of so many people around Jesus. However, it also exposes the characteristics of our Lord Jesus Christ, glory to God. Joseph son of Jacob, once said: “As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good ” (Genesis 50:20).

Jesus Barabbas was given to the people, the same way many people today are offered a Prosperity Gospel / Word of Faith Movement; which is a false gospel. So remember to always seek sound, unadulterated truth of God when it comes to Jesus Christ.