Choosing Barabbas
GOOD FRIDAY Worship Service: apr 3, 2026
Choosing barabbas
Rev. Jason Noh
13 Pilate then called together the chief priests and the rulers and the people, 14 and said to them, “You brought me this man as one who was misleading the people. And after examining him before you, behold, I did not find this man guilty of any of your charges against him. 15 Neither did Herod, for he sent him back to us. Look, nothing deserving death has been done by him. 16 I will therefore punish and release him.”
18 But they all cried out together, “Away with this man, and release to us Barabbas”— 19 a man who had been thrown into prison for an insurrection started in the city and for murder. 20 Pilate addressed them once more, desiring to release Jesus, 21 but they kept shouting, “Crucify, crucify him!” 22 A third time he said to them, “Why? What evil has he done? I have found in him no guilt deserving death. I will therefore punish and release him.” 23 But they were urgent, demanding with loud cries that he should be crucified. And their voices prevailed. 24 So Pilate decided that their demand should be granted. 25 He released the man who had been thrown into prison for insurrection and murder, for whom they asked, but he delivered Jesus over to their will.
Opening: The most serious sin is within me.
Reformation vs. Revolution
Jesus vs. Barabbas
1. Our sinful nature desires Barabbas more than Jesus.
“And said to them, ‘You brought me this man as one who was misleading the people. And after examining him before you, behold, I did not find this man guilty of any of your charges against him.’” (v.14)
“A man who had been thrown into prison for an insurrection started in the city and for murder.” (v.19)
Self-centeredness & Self-sufficiency
2. Jesus took up the cross for us, who are like Barabbas.
a. False expectations are taking root within us.
b. False motivations are taking root within us.
c. False responses are taking root within us.
Man made expectation vs. God’s will
Closing: The cross is the power by which I die and Jesus lives.
