As we are approaching the time of year celebrating Passover, the Gospels tell the story of the last week of Jesus’ life on Earth. Jesus would have one last meal with His disciples right before the Passover. After that, Jesus was arrested and brought before various leaders who were trying to have Him killed. Pilate interrogates Jesus and seems to want to release Him. There was a custom each year where they released a prisoner before the feast. Right before He was crucified, we are introduced to a man called Barabbas. We have not heard his name before this and he enters the drama unfolding before the whole assembly gathered at Pilate’s palace.
It is interesting to note that although he determines that Jesus is innocent, he still will have Him whipped and beaten. It’s as if he’s telling the people, He is innocent but a good beating will straighten Him out and you’ll be happy enough with that. He never expects that the crowd would want to have Jesus killed. He washes his hands in their presence to signify that he is not part of their plan. In the other Gospels, it says that he knew they brought in Jesus out of spite.
Luke 23:18 But they cried out all together, saying, “Away with this man, and release for us Barabbas!” 19 (He was one who had been thrown into prison for an insurrection made in the city, and for murder.) 20 Pilate, wanting to release Jesus, addressed them again,
Don’t miss this detail. Although probably cruel and heartless, Pilate doesn’t want to kill an innocent man. He wants to set Him free but gives in to the crowd.
