We know precious little of the man called Barabbas, a contemporary of Jesus of Nazareth. He is variously described in the historical record as thief, murderer, rebel, and notable Roman prisoner. His release by the Roman Prefect Pontius Pilate was part of the supernal plan for the Christ to offer himself as the ultimate blood sacrifice, but it’s doubtful Barabbas understood any of that at the time.
Many have wondered what became of him, or rather, who he became after that fateful day. Someday we will know the answer, but in the meantime we can imagine that, like all of us, he too sought a path of personal redemption, imperfectly.
Title: I Was Called Barabbas by
Author: M.D. House
Pages: 222
My review
This is the story of Barabbas, the prisoner who was released by Roman Prefect Pontius Pilate. It was him that Prefect was decided to sacrifice instead of Jesus of Nazareth. But this decision was not accepted and eventually Barabbas was released. The story took a brief turn here. We then came to know the past of Barabbas and how he ended up as a prisoner. The ferocious child who once wanted to be a Roman soldier and ran away from his family for his existence. He came back and became an apprentice to a tentmaker. But fate has better decisions for him. From a meager worker, he was transitioned to a Jewish rebel. He was not intended to do anything like this but he was bought into the war by destiny. But his real story begins after his release and crucifixion of The Christ.
He came back home to start a new life. With some surprise, he gets married to his love of life and started a family together. But what came after that is truly changed him. He was a damaged soul who believed that he is not worth saving. But the Lord has greater plans for him. His mercy has bestowed upon him and he finds his path eventually. Just like before, he wants a quite low life, but he was called into this war. He was needed on this journey. Moreover, he needed this new path for his salvation.
The story digs deep into the emotional account of Barabbas. His transformation from a common man to a leader was astounding. He was always immersed in self-doubt. But his courage and love saved him. They help him to rise beyond every obstructions. Although he was a deeply damaged soul, his path to salvation began in the moment he put his life before others. He was ready to sacrifice his life. This was his redemption.
The author has narrated a heart-wrenching tale of Barabbas rather beautifully. We are walking beside him throughout the story. His life was unpredictable. But it is what keeps him moving. I’m eagerly waiting for the next part.
Rating:5/5
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