Every once in a while, we hear of a prisoner exchange. It could be the result of hostage negotiations or some political situation. The end results of these exchanges we don’t hear much about. History does record one prisoner exchange with eternal consequences. Barabbas was held in a Roman prison for murder and insurrection. Jesus was innocent of any crime or wrongdoing. But the Jewish leaders prevailed upon the Roman authorities to release Barabbas and to crucify Jesus.
Luke 23:18-20 says, “But they all cried out together, ‘Away with this man, and release to us Barabbas,’ a man who had been thrown into prison for an insurrection started in the city and for murder. Pilate addressed them once more, desiring to release Jesus, but they kept shouting, ‘Crucify, crucify him!'” Jesus was crucified and the guilty man, Barabbas, was set free. Jesus was sacrificed so that we, though also guilty, can be set free. A completely innocent Jesus died so that He could conquer death through His resurrection. His resurrection ensures that we might be granted eternal life through faith in Jesus, while also walking in freedom today.
Reluctant Retiree 