What’s The deal With Barabbas? David Jackson & Pastor Phil Sessa

Focus: Matthew 27:1-26; Mark 15:1-15; Luke 23:1-25; John 18:39-19:16 

Barabbas was a Jewish national/zealot. Hebrew custom establishes the idea that Jewish parents name their children based on certain characteristics. Barabbas means “son of the fathers”; that is, “Bar” means son and “abbas” means fathers. Growing up, I bet Barabbas thought he was something special. He was the hope of Jewish history (son of the fathers). His name suggests that the Jewish nation had a lot riding on his shoulders (son of the fathers). Barabbas was the product of the long line of Jewish wise men and sages (son of the fathers). He embodied and represented them. Little is known about his parents other than that they were political figures and did not raise him themselves. It is said that Barabbas was raised by the community- being groomed for a purpose. He was not raised with a lot of discipline. 

One Life To Live, Evans Olang

Luke 23:39-43, “39 One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: “Aren’t you the Christ? Save yourself and us!”; 40; But the other criminal rebuked him. “Don’t you fear God; ” he said; “since you are under the same sentence? 41 We are punished justly; for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.”; 42Then he said; “Jesus; remember me when you come into your kingdom.”; 43 Jesus answered him; “I tell you the truth; today you will be with me in paradise.” (NIV)

Luke is reporting a story after Jesus was crucified. He was at the center crucified besides two guilty criminals crucified with Him on death row.