John 18:40 - Then they all shouted again, saying, “Not this man, but Barabbas!” Now Barabbas was a robber.
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What does "John 18:40" mean?
John 18:40 is a pivotal moment in the Passion Narrative, highlighting the crowd's choice between Jesus and Barabbas. Here's a breakdown of its meaning:
"Then they all shouted again, saying, “Not this man, but Barabbas!”" This demonstrates the crowd's definitive rejection of Jesus as the person they wanted to be released. Pilate, in an attempt to appease the crowd and possibly avoid executing Jesus, offered them a choice as part of a Passover custom. The fact that they shouted again emphasizes the intensity and vehemence of their demand.
"Now Barabbas was a robber." This provides important context about Barabbas. The text identifies him as a "robber" (Greek: lēstēs), which can also mean "insurgent" or "revolutionary." Some scholars believe Barabbas was more than just a common thief; he might have been involved in a revolt against Roman authority. This is crucial because it helps explain why the crowd might have favored him over Jesus. Barabbas represented a form of resistance against the Roman Empire, which could have resonated with some of the crowd who were hoping for a political Messiah who would overthrow Roman rule.
Overall Meaning:
The verse underscores the following points:
Rejection of Jesus: The crowd's choice of Barabbas over Jesus highlights the rejection of Jesus by a significant portion of the Jewish population. They did not see him as the Messiah they were expecting, or perhaps they feared the consequences of following him.
Irony and Contrast: The situation is deeply ironic. Jesus, who claimed to be the King of the Jews, is rejected in favor of a criminal. This contrast emphasizes the spiritual nature of Jesus's kingdom versus the earthly, political expectations of the crowd.
Political Context: The crowd's preference for Barabbas reflects the political tension of the time. Many Jews yearned for liberation from Roman rule, and Barabbas, as a potential rebel, might have seemed like a more appealing figure than Jesus, whose message of peace and spiritual salvation did not directly address their political grievances.
Fulfillment of Prophecy: For Christians, this event is often seen as a fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah being rejected and suffering.
In essence, John 18:40 is a powerful and tragic verse that reveals the complexities of Jesus's rejection and the diverse motivations of the crowd involved in his condemnation. It sets the stage for the crucifixion and highlights the profound spiritual significance of Jesus's sacrifice.
John 18:40 - Then they all shouted again, saying, “Not this man, but Barabbas!” Now Barabbas was a robber.
What does "John 18:40" mean?
John 18:40 is a pivotal moment in the Passion Narrative, highlighting the crowd's choice between Jesus and Barabbas. Here's a breakdown of its meaning:
"Then they all shouted again, saying, “Not this man, but Barabbas!”" This demonstrates the crowd's definitive rejection of Jesus as the person they wanted to be released. Pilate, in an attempt to appease the crowd and possibly avoid executing Jesus, offered them a choice as part of a Passover custom. The fact that they shouted again emphasizes the intensity and vehemence of their demand.
"Now Barabbas was a robber." This provides important context about Barabbas. The text identifies him as a "robber" (Greek: lēstēs), which can also mean "insurgent" or "revolutionary." Some scholars believe Barabbas was more than just a common thief; he might have been involved in a revolt against Roman authority. This is crucial because it helps explain why the crowd might have favored him over Jesus. Barabbas represented a form of resistance against the Roman Empire, which could have resonated with some of the crowd who were hoping for a political Messiah who would overthrow Roman rule.
Overall Meaning:
The verse underscores the following points:
Rejection of Jesus: The crowd's choice of Barabbas over Jesus highlights the rejection of Jesus by a significant portion of the Jewish population. They did not see him as the Messiah they were expecting, or perhaps they feared the consequences of following him.
Irony and Contrast: The situation is deeply ironic. Jesus, who claimed to be the King of the Jews, is rejected in favor of a criminal. This contrast emphasizes the spiritual nature of Jesus's kingdom versus the earthly, political expectations of the crowd.
Political Context: The crowd's preference for Barabbas reflects the political tension of the time. Many Jews yearned for liberation from Roman rule, and Barabbas, as a potential rebel, might have seemed like a more appealing figure than Jesus, whose message of peace and spiritual salvation did not directly address their political grievances.
Fulfillment of Prophecy: For Christians, this event is often seen as a fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah being rejected and suffering.
In essence, John 18:40 is a powerful and tragic verse that reveals the complexities of Jesus's rejection and the diverse motivations of the crowd involved in his condemnation. It sets the stage for the crucifixion and highlights the profound spiritual significance of Jesus's sacrifice.