As part of the sermon’s conclusion on Jesus and Barabbas, I wanted to summarize the powerful concept of substitution. Early on that Sunday morning, I started writing this as an element to conclude the sermon.
I Am Barabbas
The true son of my father, Adam if you care to bother
I was born into original sin
Steeped in the ways of the devil, all my life I’ve been a rebel
My greatest enemy always lurked from within
I am Barabbas
I’ll do whatever I decide, casting authority aside
No one has the rights to rule over one like me
There’s a price you must pay, if you stand in my way
Challenging my will requires such audacity
I am Barabbas
Guilty due to my sin, rightfully charged and condemned
My punishment is unfortunate yet just
There seems to be no other way, I have no chance to escape
My penalty will return me back to the dust
I am Barabbas
Who is this man next to me, he is not a common thief
What could he have done to deserve this sinner’s cross?
Defend yourself and speak, this is no time to stand by meek
Why does it seem to me that you have accepted this loss?
I am Barabbas
They will set one of us free, there’s no chance that it could be me
But this man refused to make a case of his own
Decision made by the crowd, it’s my shackles that fall down
And the innocent is left there all alone
I am Barabbas
The guilty freed on a whim, hearing echoes of crucify him
It seems unfair that the sinless took my place
Yet completely at peace, he came securing my release
There’s no explanation but only by his grace
[Watch or listen to sermon here.]
Travis Agnew serves as the Lead Pastor of Rocky Creek Church in Greenville, SC. His most recent book is Just (About) Married.
