A Reflection of the Passover Lamb
Let’s explore for a connection between two pivotal events in the Bible: the crowd’s choice between Jesus and Barabbas, and the selection of the Passover lamb. These narratives are steeped in symbolism, offering deep reflections on sacrifice, redemption, and deliverance.
The Passover lamb is central to the Jewish celebration of Passover, commemorating the Israelites’ exodus from Egypt. In Exodus 12:3-6, God instructs the Israelites to select a lamb:
“Tell the whole community of Israel that on the tenth day of this month each man is to take a lamb for his family, one for each household. … The animals you choose must be year-old males without defect, and you may take them from the sheep or the goats. Take care of them until the fourteenth day of the month, when all the members of the community of Israel must slaughter them at twilight.”
This lamb/goat had to be without blemish, a male, and one year old. Its blood marked the doorposts of the Israelites’ homes, ensuring the angel of death would pass over them during the final plague.
Fast forward to the New Testament, and we encounter another significant choice. Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor, offers the crowd a choice between releasing Jesus, who was accused of claiming to be the King of the Jews, and Barabbas, a known criminal. The crowd chose to release Barabbas and crucify Jesus.
How were Jesus and Barabbas similar?
Their Names: Your first thought might be, “Riley has lost his mind.” Maybe so, but let’s dig a little deeper. Consider their names. In that time, Jesus would commonly be referred to as Yeshua Bar Joseph (pronounced “Yeh-SHuw-aa,” meaning Salvation, son of Joseph). However, we know that God was his true Father, so He could more accurately be called Jesus Bar Abbas, meaning “Jesus, son of the Father.” Now, take a closer look at Barabbas. In Matthew’s Gospel, he is referred to as Jesus Barabbas or Jesus Bar Abbas Matthew 27:16.
Sin: Pause here, if necessary, but let’s delve even further. Barabbas was a notorious criminal John 18:14, guilty of countless offenses and violations of Jewish law. Yet Jesus—who was sinless—took upon Himself the weight of the world’s sins. He didn’t simply pay for them; He claimed ownership of every single one. For Him to atone for our sins, those sins of ours had to first become His. Only then could He offer the ultimate sacrifice on our behalf.
Based on these two principles, Jesus and Barabbas were seen as equals in God’s eyes. The choice made by the crowd and Pontius Pilate, where the burden of humanity’s sins fell upon one while the other was released, ultimately fulfilled the divine plan.
Symbolic Parallels
Sacrifice for Redemption:The lamb’s sacrifice redeemed the Israelites from death and slavery in Egypt. Jesus’ crucifixion is as a sacrifice for the redemption of humanity from sin and spiritual death. John 1:29 refers to Jesus as the “Lamb of God” who takes away the sins of the world.
Innocence and Guilt: The lamb had to be without blemish, symbolizing purity and innocence. Jesus is described as sinless and innocent, contrasting with Barabbas, who was guilty of crimes. He had no sin of His own but He took on the sin of the world.
Choice and Deliverance: The Israelites had to choose to follow God’s instructions to be delivered from death. The crowd’s choice between Jesus and Barabbas symbolizes humanity’s choice between good (Jesus) and evil (Barabbas).
Blood as a Sign: The lamb’s blood marked the homes of the Israelites, signifying protection and deliverance. Jesus’ blood, shed during the crucifixion, is seen as a symbol of salvation and the new covenant between God and humanity.
The Bible also uses goats in significant ways, particularly in the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur) described in Leviticus 16. Two goats were chosen; one was sacrificed as a sin offering, and the other, known as the scapegoat, was sent into the wilderness, symbolically carrying away the sins of the people.
In Matthew 25:31-46, Jesus describes the final judgment where he will separate people as a shepherd separates sheep from goats. Sheep represent the righteous who inherit the kingdom of God, while goats represent the unrighteous who face eternal punishment.
The choice between Jesus and Barabbas and the selection of the Passover lamb both involve themes of sacrifice, redemption, innocence, and deliverance. These events are deeply intertwined in Christian theology, emphasizing the significance of Jesus’ crucifixion as a fulfillment of the symbolic role of the Passover lamb.
As we reflect on these stories, let’s remember the profound message of redemption and the importance of making choices that align with goodness and righteousness. Jesus, the Lamb of God, offers us the ultimate sacrifice for our salvation.