Are You Barabbas?John 18:38-40

Herod

Barabbas

Herod Who was this Herod Antipas?

Son of Herod the Great – baby killer Ten wives, many children – a lot murdered Augustus said it was better to be one of his

pigs than a wife. Divided Herod the Great’s kingdom

Archelaus – Judea, Samaria, Idumea in south Philip – Decapolis to the east Antipas – Galilee, Perea to the north

Had John the Baptist killed – Herodias

Are You Barabbas?John 18:38-40

Herod Jesus in Herod’s court is only recorded in

Luke 23:6-12.

Are You Barabbas?John 18:38-40

Luke 23:6-12 (ESV)6 When Pilate heard this, he asked whether the

man was a Galilean. 7 And when he learned that he belonged to

Herod's jurisdiction, he sent him over to Herod, who was himself in Jerusalem at that time.

8 When Herod saw Jesus, he was very glad, for he had long desired to see him, because he had heard about him, and he was hoping to see some sign done by him.

9 So he questioned him at some length, but he made no answer.

10 The chief priests and the scribes stood by, vehemently accusing him.

11 And Herod with his soldiers treated him with contempt and mocked him. Then, arraying him in splendid clothing, he sent him back to Pilate.

12 And Herod and Pilate became friends with each other that very day, for before this they had been at enmity with each other.

Herod Jesus in Herod’s court is only recorded in

Luke 23:6-12. Herod knew of Jesus – “what he had heard.” Herod had a certain curiosity – “greatly

pleased.” Herod looked at this incident as

entertainment. Jesus never speaks.

Are You Barabbas?John 18:38-40

Herod Herod was curious but not in a good way.

God will not reveal the precious things of His Word to idle curiosity.

Nicodemus had curiosity – John 3:4. Woman at the well – John 4:11-12 Herod had heard rumors of Jesus from John

the Baptist and even from his steward Chuza and his wife Joanna – Luke 8:3.

Are You Barabbas?John 18:38-40

Luke 8:3 (ESV)3 and Joanna, the wife of Chuza,

Herod's household manager, and Susanna, and many others, who provided for them out of their means.

Herod Herod “rejoiced at seeing Jesus.”

Herod was “greatly pleased.” Herod “hoped to see a miracle performed.” Herod was “exceedingly glad.” We want to see marvelous things from

Jesus, like our will changed, seeking Him with all our heart, conviction of sin, being made like Jesus!

Herod was only interested in the frivolous.

Are You Barabbas?John 18:38-40

Herod Herod had been perverted through the

hardening effect of sin. Adam and Eve hid from God – Genesis 3:10. Isaiah fell back – Isaiah 6:5. Peter asked Jesus to go away – Luke 5:8.

Proper steps of conviction of sin Lead to repentance Lead to faith in Jesus

Are You Barabbas?John 18:38-40

Herod Steps in Herod’s fall

1. There was a genuine conviction of sin but not a willingness to depart from it.Herod wished to be religious and keep his sin.

2. He attempted to still the voice of conscience – John the Baptist.

3. He turned to superstition – Jesus was John the Baptist raised from the dead.

4. Superstition turned to raw unbelief.5. Herod turned to mocking.

Are You Barabbas?John 18:38-40

Barabbas Important because it is recorded in all

four Gospels!

Who is this Barabbas? A robber – John 18:40 A rebel and murderer – Mark 15:7; Luke 23:19 A notorious prisoner – Matthew 27:16

Pilate’s plan was foolproof, or was it?

Are You Barabbas?John 18:38-40

Barabbas Pilate tries to satisfy both God, who speaks

from within, and the world, which speaks from without – “riding the fence.”

Why did the crowd choose Barabbas? Barabbas was one of them. He was controllable – they could handle him. Barabbas was not asking anything of them. Barabbas might exploit you, but he will not

ask to run your life.

Are You Barabbas?John 18:38-40

Barabbas Barabbas is the story of a sinner’s

salvation through Jesus’ death at Calvary. Barabbas means “son of a father” – us! He had been found guilty and sentenced to

death. He was awaiting the sentence to be finally

carried out. Then comes his substitute – Jesus!

Are You Barabbas?John 18:38-40

Barabbas This is described for us in 2 Corinthians 5:21.

Are You Barabbas?John 18:38-40

2 Corinthians 5:21 (ESV)21 For our sake he made him to be sin

who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

Barabbas This is described for us in 2 Corinthians 5:21.

I deserved Hell. Jesus took my Hell. All that is left for me is Heaven.

Jesus was bound so that Barabbas (we) could be set free.

Barabbas was pardoned and set free!

Are You Barabbas?John 18:38-40

Application

Are you mocking God like Herod?

As an unbeliever, curious but not serious?

As a believer in Jesus for salvation, but nothing more?

Have you been freed from your death sentence (spiritual) like Barabbas (physical)?

Has it changed your life?

Are You Barabbas?John 18:38-40