I Was Called Barabbas

In the Bible, Barabbas was the criminal released by Pontius Pilate. This surprising twist (surprising to Barabbas, at least) was part of God's eternal plan, in which Jesus Christ was crucified in Barabbas' place to serve as the perfect sacrifice to save people from their sins. But beyond the mention of Barabbas' name and lawbreaking status in Scripture, most people know very little about the man.

I Was Called Barabbas is M. D. House's fictional account of the life Barabbas could have gone on to live. The Day, as Barabbas refers to that life-changing period when he was unexpectedly set free, is not the focus of the story. Of course it is talked about - without it, there would be no story for Barabbas to tell. But the tale told here is of his life after that day.

As a Jewish rebel, Barabbas had put a Roman target on his back. When he goes back home after his release, he struggles to find a way to just live his life. To his shock and amazement, he marries a beautiful woman named Chanah, and he takes up work in the family tentmaking business. The women in Barabbas' life are disciples of Jesus, and they introduce him to leaders in the faith. But Barabbas can't see how Jesus' sacrifice could ever be meant for someone as unworthy as him.

That is the heart of this story. Barabbas believes he is too far gone for anything to save him, and he struggles to believe that God would even hear his prayers, much less care about his salvation. I enjoyed the author's perspective on a story that hasn't been contemplated much, and his imagined telling of what Barabbas went on to do and experience after The Day.

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book through Reedsy Discovery. All opinions here are mine, and I don't say nice things about books I don't like.