Barabbas

Barabbas came to visit.

Last Friday, Good Friday, Barabbas came to visit Abiding Love.

If you’ll remember, Barabbas was the prisoner that Pilate freed instead of Jesus on that day before the people. Now there is some question lately as to “who” Barabbas actually was. Some people say that he was a thief or a murderer, others that he was an insurrectionist, or that he was, like John the Baptist, an Essene (religious zealot) that openly opposed the Roman Empire and the corruption of the Temple leaders by the occupation. I believe that Barabbas came to visit us last Friday evening. I didn’t see him, but I heard about him. He was rumored to have used foul language, been drunk and disorderly. It seemed that he was homeless and angry. Or maybe the real Barabbas was you or maybe me.

I don’t really believe in the atonement theology of the early church, understanding better the Old Testament understanding of forgiveness. That understanding informs me of just how blessed and loved we all are. Barabbas truly was given another chance! He was set free by the person of Jesus. I wonder what he did with the rest of his life? I wonder what you will do? I hope Barabbas comes back to Abiding Love. I should like to get to know him.