I Am Barabbas!

“The governor answered and said to them, ‘Which of the two do you want me to release to you?’ They said, ‘Barabbas!’”
- Matthew 27:21

Many are familiar with the 1960 film Spartacus starring Kirk Douglas. A slave and gladiator who leads a rebellion against the mighty Roman army. In the face of mass execution, Rome demands to know who is the leader. Spartacus stands and says, “I am Spartacus!” In a defiant act of solidarity, his fellow warriors and slaves stand one by one and shout, “No, I am Spartacus!” Then, they are all crucified together.

It is an inspiring movie about freedom. The call of “I am Spartacus” has entered popular culture to this day. We all cherish the ideals of freedom, defiance against injustice, loyalty and honor. However, I find, when I look at my life, I’m far too often found with a different call on my lips, “I am Barabbas!”

When Jesus was arrested, He was brought before Pontius Pilate the governor. In historic tradition, Pilate decided to release one prisoner to the crowd. He offered as the choice Jesus and Barabbas (a notorious prisoner who committed murder in rebellion). The religious leaders persuaded the crowd to call for Barabbas to be released. Pilate’s wife warned him while sitting in the judgment seat to have nothing to do with Jesus, but he followed the crowd. He released Barabbas and heeded the call of the crowd to crucify Jesus. Then, symbolically washed his hands of the whole thing.

Don’t get me wrong, there is nothing more precious in my life than the fact that my Lord and Savior went to the cross to crucify my sin, once for all. Through that act He opened the door for my salvation and new life in Him. I cherish the old rugged cross.

However, I also find my self in the role of Barabbas. I’m notorious (a known bad actor who leans towards rebellion) among the people who truly know me. I don’t always do things right. And I often dread the consequences.

Luke 9:23 says, “Then He said to them all, ‘If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.’”

I often find my position drifting from being grateful for Christ going to the cross for me, to also having the desire within myself to be Barabbas and free from the consequences I deserve. I struggle with taking up the cross daily. I’d much prefer to just be released from the consequences.

What I often fail to comprehend is that in taking up the cross, I’m taking up a relationship, not a burden. I’m coming alive to the person I was created to be, rather than trying to preserve the person I thought I was.

As a Christian, “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.” (Galatians 2:20)

Yet, the desire to be free from the consequences of my actions pulls me back to my fleshly desires. It focuses my heart on myself rather than Christ. It aligns me with Barabbas and longing for the approval of the crowd. It stunts my ability to grow in the grace and knowledge of Christ. It hides my true identity and undermines my ability to stand. Yet, I am not Barabbas. I am a Child of God! I am in Christ!

I was in Christ on the cross. I am a new creation in Him. I have everything I need for life and godliness. I have the living Lord, living in me and desiring to live through me! Even through the worst of consequences.

While my flesh longs to be free from the consequences of my thoughts and actions, I will not cower in their shadow. I will stand and face them and declare, “I am who I am, because the Great I AM said I am and that is enough. I AM A CHILD OF GOD!”

© 2026 Warren Martin. All rights Reserved.