Barabbas was a troublemaker who killed someone during a riot. He had started a rebellion against Rome because he wanted the Jews to be free from the Roman empire. By doing that , he committed the crime of rebellion. However, as it was customary to release a criminal during Passover, Barabbas was released at the sound of a screaming crowd. So, he was set free, while the Lord Jesus, Who was innocent, remained in prison and was tortured before being taken to the cross.

Their decision was foolish, but even today, the choice to release Barabbas is made by all those who want to continue living in sin. Whenever people consciously disobey God, they become accomplices to injustice (v.13).