During the Second World War prisoners were forced to build a railway bridge in Thailand. On one occasion a count of the tools at the end of the day showed that a shovel was missing. The guard said that all of the men in that work party would be killed unless the culprit was found. One of the men stepped forward and was beaten to death with a shovel. A subsequent tool count showed that none of the shovels were missing. An innocent man died to save others.

In this passage we find that Jesus, even though he was innocent, was handed over to be crucified. There was a man in prison at the same time, named Barabbas, who was guilty of murder and insurrection. He was also awaiting the death penalty. There was a custom however, at the Feast time. The Jews could ask for someone to be set free. They chose Barabbas. Jesus, the innocent one was handed over to be crucified. Barabbas the guilty one was freed.

There is a wonderful gospel picture here. The Scripture says that ‘all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God’ and also ‘the wages of sin is death’. We are like Barabbas. The only way out for us is through the death of an innocent substitute. Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross releases us from the prison of our sins through the free gift of forgiveness received by faith alone.