The Jewish leaders wanted Jesus dead.  He was disrupting their tidy religious system.  The people were flocking to Him, instead of them. The Jewish leaders went to the Roman leaders with false charges in order to get Him tried and killed.  Upon examination by both Pilate and Herod, Jesus was found innocent. The Jews still wanted him killed. They stirred up the crowd to demand that Barabbas be released and that Jesus be crucified.  Barabbas had committed insurrection against the Roman government.  He was also a murderer.

Do you feel like the world’s worst sinner?  Like you have done so many wrong things, Jesus would never want you?  That you are unworthy to come to Jesus?  Barabbas was guilty of insurrection and murder.  He was not worthy.  Yet, Jesus took his place, and He takes ours.

Jesus died and rose again to pay for the sins of anyone and everyone who will accept Him as their Lord and Savior. We just need to confess our sins, ask Him to forgive us, leave those sins, and follow Him. No one is too sinful.  He welcomes all.  Jesus welcomes you.