EVERYMAN

JN.18:39,40 – “But you have a custom that I release someone for you at the Passover; do you wish then that I release for you the King of the Jews?” So they cried out again, saying, “Not this Man, but Barabbas.” Now Barabbas was a robber.

The story of Barabbas powerfully pictures the gospel message. The Bible says Barabbas was a robber and a murderer (according to other gospel accounts). He had been sentenced to death by the Romans. The Romans would always release one prisoner for the Jews at Passover. Pilate wanted to release Jesus, the jewish leaders chose Barabbas. Barabbas is a picture of all of us. We are all guilty headed toward a just sentence from a holy God. Just as Barabbas was freed and Jesus took his place, we have been set free from our sentence and Jesus took our place. You can say Barabbas is Everyman. Here is a powerful song by Rich Mullins that tells this story of gracious substitution.

EVERYMAN

Well he was out on a limb he was sitting in the shade

He’d led a hundred men and lived alone among the graves

He had a thousand questions and a million heartaches

He was everyman he was everyman

She was caught in a sin she knew the well was so deep

She threw her last pennies in and poured oil upon His feet

She touched the garment’s hem she had only been asleep

She was everyman she was everyman

And the Lord looks down and He understands

The world draws up it’s lines

But at the foot of the cross there’s room for everyone

And love that is not blind

It can look at who we are and still see beyond

The differences we find

But with thorns in His brow and a spear in His side

Nails in His hand He died for you and I

For you and I and everyman

He had nets to mend he gave his fish and his loaves

He had to wash his hands and ran away without his robe

He couldn’t understand until on Damascus road

He was everyman he was everyman

She brought the world a lamb and took warning from a dream

From an empty tomb she ran for her children she would weep

In her womb a baby danced she’d been waiting for a King

She was everyman she was everyman

So I am Barabbas, you too are Barabbas. The good news, Barabbas ran free. You and I are also free from our sins. I want to spend my life in grateful appreciation for what Jesus has done for Everyman.