Live
Barabbas
What an amazing scenario! The people chose to have a dangerous man back on the streets rather than have Jesus live. The innocent would die. The guilty went free. The same applies today. The spotless Lamb of God bore our sin in His body on the cross. He died in our place so we could be free forever.
Silent Before Herod
Jesus did not come to perform. He did not come to show us another sign. His mission was clear. He came to die so we could live. He purchased life for us by His death on the cross. Signs will draw a crowd; the cross drew scorn. Signs will fade away; the cross purchased life eternal. Jesus let His actions speak for Him. He came to give His life as a ransom for many.
Victim or Volunteer?
Jesus was not a victim. He did not find Himself at the wrong place at the wrong time. He was not a casualty at the hands of the religious leaders or Roman authorities. Jesus went to the cross on His own accord and for a purpose. The penalty of sin is death. Jesus took this punishment on our behalf. He bore our sins in His body on the cross. He died so we could live.