Sermon from Fuge 2022 – North Greenville University
Mark 15:6-15 – Sinless Jesus went to the cross while guilty Barabbas went free. Barabbas is a physical representation of a spiritual reality for every one of us.
Summary
- Pilate – Some people make all their decisions to gain the crowd’s approval (15:6, 8).
- Barabbas – Some people attempt to rid themselves of unwanted authority (15:7).
- Crowd – Some people’s envy causes them to wish harm to others (15:10).
- Acceptance / Authority / Advantage
- Jesus – The matchless one was willing to take the place of the condemned sinner.
Significance
- Isaac & Jesus Parallels
- Jesus took the place of a man whose name means “Son of the Father.”
- The One who did no wrong took the place of one who had done all wrong.
- Pilate’s question is the most appropriate to ask: “Why, what evil has He done?” (15:14).
- Jesus never attempted to secure His release because He came for our redemption.
- Barabbas is a physical representation of a spiritual reality for every one of us.
- Jesus was willing to take your place.
Spoken Word
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 within
I am Barabbas
I’ll do whatever I decide, casting authority aside
No one has the right to rule over one like me
There’s a price you must pay, if you stand in my way
Challenging my will requires 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 send 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 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 alone
I am Barabbas
The guilty freed on a whim, hearing echoes of crucify him
It seems unfair that the sinless took my place
He’s completely at peace, he came securing my release
There’s no reason outside of his grace

Travis Agnew serves as the Lead Pastor of Rocky Creek Church in Greenville, SC. His most recent book is Just (About) Married.