the barabbas paradox

Leviticus 16:7-10 7 Then he is to take the two goats and present them before the Lord at the entrance to the tent of meeting. 8 He is to cast lots for the two goats—one lot for the Lord and the other for the scapegoat. 9 Aaron shall bring the goat whose lot falls to the Lord and sacrifice it for a sin offering. 10 But the goat chosen by lot as the scapegoat shall be presented alive before the Lord to be used for making atonement by sending it into the wilderness as a scapegoat.

Yom Kippur, also known as the Day of Atonement, is the holiest day in Judaism. It is a solemn day dedicated to fasting, prayer, and reflection, where individuals seek forgiveness for their sins and strive for spiritual renewal. On Yom Kippur, a significant ritual involved the sacrifice of two goats, as described in the Book of Leviticus. The high priest would stand before the people with two identical goats at his side. One goat was selected for the Lord and offered as a sin offering, symbolizing the atonement of the people's sins. The other goat, known as the scapegoat, was sent into the wilderness after the high priest laid his hands on it, transferring the sins of the community onto the animal. This act represented the removal of sin and guilt from the people, emphasizing the principles of repentance and cleansing. Together, these sacrifices underscored the deep spiritual need for atonement and reconciliation with God.

Moreover, the Passover is also a significant event in Jewish tradition, commemorating the Israelites' liberation from slavery in Egypt. This festival celebrates the divine intervention that led to the release of the Hebrew people, marked by the angel of death passing over their homes during the final plague. In particular, one of the customs of Passover was to release a prisoner the night before Passover. And most importantly, the release of a prisoner symbolizes both physical freedom and spiritual redemption. Just as the Israelites were freed from bondage, individuals who have been imprisoned can experience a fresh start, inspiring reflections on grace, forgiveness, and the possibility of new beginnings. Both events underscore themes of deliverance and hope, inviting people to embrace the transformative power of freedom.

And most importantly, Jesus' crucifixion parallels the concept of the scapegoat seen during Yom Kippur, where one goat is sacrificed and another is sent into the wilderness to bear the sins of the people. In this biblical context, Barabbas, a prisoner chosen to be released instead of Jesus( as was the custom the night before Passover), embodies the idea of the scapegoat. As the crowd clamors for Barabbas’ freedom and Jesus' condemnation, it reflects the ancient ritual of Yom Kippur’s essence—one man takes on the sins and consequences for humanity's transgressions while the other bears their burdens. In both narratives, the theme of substitutionary sacrifice is evident, highlighting the profound connection between the liberation of Barabbas and the redemptive sacrifice of Jesus, who ultimately carries the weight of humanity's sins to the cross. And even more noteworthy here is the Yom Kippur temple requirement of identical goats. Barabbas’ name is actually made up of two Hebrew words “Bar” which means “the son of” and “Abba” which means father. “Barabbas” literally means “Son of the Father”. Jesus and Barabbas, were both referred to as sons of the father and share a significant yet contrasting identity in the narrative of the crucifixion. Barabbas, a notorious criminal, represented a physical embodiment of rebellion and worldly power, while Jesus embodied spiritual truth, love, and redemption. Despite their stark differences in character and purpose, the title "son of the father" connects them in a profound way, highlighting the theme of choice presented to humanity (much like the observance of Yom Kippur). The crowd's decision to choose Barabbas over Jesus symbolizes the struggle within the human heart between earthly desires and divine salvation, underscoring the complexity of identity and the deep yearning for true liberty found in Christ.

Prayerful Thought:

18 But the whole crowd shouted, “Away with this man! Release Barabbas to us!” 19 (Barabbas had been thrown into prison for an insurrection in the city, and for murder.) 20 Wanting to release Jesus, Pilate appealed to them again. 21 But they kept shouting, “Crucify him! Crucify him!” Luke 23:18-21

And Remember…….

“ Truth does not mind being questioned and a lie does not like being challenged!”

“May the peace and grace of the Lord always be with you” - Dr Lee