Jesus or Barabbas is a poetic meditation based on Matthew 27.17 in the Good News Bible. What happened to "Jesus Barabbas" in whose place literally "Jesus the Christ" died? Did he in fact join the watching crowd? For best effect it would be good to have the reader at a microphone in front and the two voices seated at the side before a microphone. A person good at expressive acting, if available, could characterise Barabbas.
| So when the crowd gathered, Pilate asked them, "Which one do you want me to set free for you? Jesus Barabbas or Jesus called the Messiah?" (Matthew 27.17, G.N.B.) | |
| READER: | "Barabbas!" they cried, "We want Barabbas! Barabbas the troublemaker, Barabbas the murderer! Crucify this Jesus, This King of the Jews! Release the murderer! We want Barabbas!"
So Jesus died |
| VOICE 1: | He's innocent, Barabbas. He died in your place, For your sins, Barabbas! |
| VOICE 2: | If you had died, Barabbas, Your death had been just, Like your two friends there. But he's innocent, Barabbas. His death is not for his sins But for yours. |
| VOICE 1: | If you had died, Barabbas, The world had lost one criminal, But in his death You and the world Have gained a Redeemer. |
| READER: | Drawn by fascination Into the watching crowd, Trying to be nobody, Yet very conscious Of himself, Thoughts Come crashing in As that Man dies! |
| VOICE 2: | He is alive, Barabbas! Haven't you heard? The cross would have finished you, But not Jesus! |
| VOICE 1: | That means We haven't finished with him By that cross. |
| VOICE 2: | They wanted you, Barabbas, Instead of Jesus, And he died instead of you, But he was innocent. |
| VOICE 1: | He wants you, Barabbas, Sinner though you are! |
| VOICES 1 & 2: | Won't you say to him, "Not Barabbas but Jesus!"? |
| READER: | It is not told What Barabbas thought of Jesus, Or if this one Who shared a name Ever came to share a life. Yet for us all There stands a choice To choose the broken Or the One who mends, To choose the sin Or sin's Redeemer!
Won't you say to him,
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