Luke 23:18 – “But the whole crowd shouted, ‘Away with this man! Release Barabbas to us!'”
Extended Explanation
In this verse, the crowd gathered before Pilate rejects Jesus and demands the release of Barabbas, a criminal and known rebel. Pilate had offered to release Jesus as part of the Passover tradition, but the religious leaders had stirred up the crowd, convincing them to call for Barabbas instead. Their shout of “Away with this man!” shows their complete rejection of Jesus, the very One who had come to save them.
This moment is filled with tragic irony. The people are choosing a man who had taken life (Barabbas) over the One who offers eternal life. They are rejecting the Messiah they had been waiting for, blinded by their anger, expectations, and the influence of the religious leaders. What should have been a moment of salvation became a moment of rejection, leading to Jesus’ crucifixion.
Historical Context
Barabbas was a known criminal, described in the Gospels as someone who had participated in a rebellion and committed murder (Mark 15:7, John 18:40). He represented the kind of revolutionary figure some Jews expected the Messiah to be—a political leader who would overthrow Roman rule. By choosing Barabbas over Jesus, the crowd revealed their misunderstanding of who the Messiah truly was and what kind of kingdom He came to establish.
The crowd’s rejection of Jesus was not just spontaneous—it was the result of manipulation by the religious leaders (Matthew 27:20). These leaders saw Jesus as a threat to their power and influence, so they stirred up the people to demand His crucifixion. The political tensions of the time also played a role, as many people hoped for a Messiah who would deliver them from Roman oppression.
Theological Implications
This verse demonstrates humanity’s rejection of God’s salvation. Despite Jesus’ innocence and His mission to bring eternal life, the crowd chose to release a guilty man instead. This reflects the sinful nature of humanity, which often rejects what is good and holy in favor of what seems appealing or convenient at the moment. The crowd’s choice of Barabbas over Jesus is a picture of how people, when blinded by sin, can reject God’s offer of salvation.
However, this rejection was not outside of God’s plan. Jesus’ crucifixion was the means through which God would bring salvation to the world. The fact that Jesus was rejected and condemned, even though He was innocent, highlights the grace of God—Jesus died for sinners, even those who rejected Him.
Literary Analysis
Luke’s portrayal of the crowd shouting “Away with this man!” is filled with emotional intensity. The use of the word “whole” emphasizes the collective nature of the rejection—this wasn’t just a small group; the majority had turned against Jesus. The phrase “release Barabbas” further intensifies the irony. Barabbas, a man who had taken lives, is set free, while Jesus, the giver of life, is condemned.
Luke contrasts the innocence of Jesus with the guilt of Barabbas to highlight the injustice of the situation. This moment also fulfills the theme of substitution, a key aspect of Jesus’ mission. Barabbas is set free because Jesus takes his place, symbolizing the larger spiritual reality that Jesus takes the place of sinners on the cross.
Biblical Cross-References
- Isaiah 53:3 – “He was despised and rejected by mankind, a man of suffering, and familiar with pain.”
- John 1:10-11 – “He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him.”
- Mark 15:6-15 – The parallel account of the crowd choosing Barabbas and rejecting Jesus.
- 2 Corinthians 5:21 – “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.”
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For believers today, this verse serves as a sobering reminder of the human tendency to reject God’s truth and follow the crowd. Even though the people had seen Jesus perform miracles and heard His teachings, they were swayed by the voices around them. This warns Christians to be cautious about the influence of the world and to stay grounded in God’s truth, even when it goes against popular opinion.
The verse also highlights the beauty of God’s grace. Like Barabbas, we are guilty and deserving of punishment, but Jesus took our place. His willingness to be rejected and condemned allows us to be set free from the power of sin and death.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love is evident in the way He allowed Jesus to endure rejection and suffering so that sinners could be saved. Even though the crowd rejected Him, Jesus did not retaliate or condemn them. Instead, He went to the cross willingly, knowing that His death would provide the way for their salvation. This reflects the depth of God’s mercy—He offers forgiveness even to those who reject Him.
God’s love is also shown in His patience. The same crowd that shouted “Crucify him!” would later be offered forgiveness. In Acts 2:36-38, Peter preaches to many of the same people, calling them to repent and believe in Jesus. God’s love extends to all, offering second chances and the opportunity for redemption.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
This verse highlights Jesus’ role as the innocent substitute who takes the place of sinners. Barabbas’ release is a physical representation of the spiritual truth that Jesus took the punishment we deserve. The crowd’s rejection of Jesus fulfilled the prophecy in Isaiah 53 that the Messiah would be despised and rejected by men.
Despite being rejected, Jesus remained obedient to the Father’s will, demonstrating His humility and love. His willingness to be condemned in place of a guilty man reveals His mission to seek and save the lost (Luke 19:10). His death was not a defeat—it was the means by which God would bring eternal victory over sin and death.
- John 3:16 – God’s love for the world is shown through the giving of His Son, so that whoever believes in Him will have eternal life.
- 1 Peter 2:24 – Jesus bore our sins in His body on the cross so that we might die to sin and live for righteousness.
- Romans 5:8 – “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
- Matthew 20:28 – Jesus came not to be served but to serve and to give His life as a ransom for many.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- Why do you think the crowd was so easily influenced to choose Barabbas over Jesus?
- How are we sometimes like the crowd, rejecting God’s truth in favor of what seems easier or more popular?
- What does Barabbas’ release and Jesus’ condemnation teach you about the meaning of grace?
- How can this passage encourage you to stand firm in your faith, even when the world around you rejects Christ?
- In what ways can you show gratitude for Jesus’ willingness to take your place on the cross?