And there were also two other, malefactors, led with Him to be put to death. Luke 23:32
Who were the malefactors who were crucified with Jesus Christ? Luke calls them malefactors, while Matthew and Mark call them thieves; John doesn’t identify them in any way. They were criminals for sure. And we know by one of them that they were getting the punishment that they deserved (the due reward of their deeds: verse 41). Tradition tells us that these men were brigands, members of an outlaw band notorious for their violence, and that their leader was Barabbas. That makes sense, because it would be highly unlikely for there to be three men on death row in Jerusalem at the same time, unless they were associated in some way. So there were three malefactors involved in that march to Skull Hill that day: two condemned criminals and one innocent Replacement for Barabbas. They present to us a picture of God’s great plan of salvation.
The two men who accompanied the Lord Jesus to Golgotha actually represent the most important decision that faces all of mankind. We read of one malefactor who continued his railing and rejection to the bitter end, despite having the exact same opportunity as his brother in crime. He represents the bulk of humanity in his attitude and in his ultimate destination. The other thief in his repentance, his acknowledgement of Jesus as Lord, and His calling upon Him for salvation, is a little picture of all who are saved. We take our place beside that repentant malefactor. The One on the middle cross is everything to us, but nothing to the rejectors and despisers.
But where was Barabbas when this procession was making its way outside Jerusalem? Some have suggested that he followed along to see what would happen to his cohorts and to the One Who had taken his place. That may be, although it is unlikely. Did he appreciate the One Who had taken his place? We don’t know, although he would surely have appreciated his freedom, especially in light of the reality that the crucifixion march that day was supposed to have featured him as the main attraction. And he was free, despite his crimes and his vile reputation. He could stay in Jerusalem, or leave, whatever he pleased. He could return to his old lifestyle, or become a solid citizen; the choice was his. Do we see ourselves in Barabbas? Our salvation – the direct result of the Lord Jesus taking our place – has freed us from condemnation. What do we do with the freedom that we have been given? We can serve and follow faithfully the Lord Who saved us. Or we can ignore His claims and live for ourselves. It’s our choice. We know what Barabbas should have done, but we don’t know whether he did it. So we look into a mirror and ask ourselves what we should do, and determine to do it.
We were no better than any of the malefactors, just as deserving of judgment as any of them. But like Barabbas, we have been set free. And, like the repentant thief, we have been assured of Heaven. What difference does that make to us today? – Jim MacIntosh