Jesus or Barabbas

[Haruth]

Can't remember where I discovered this, but Jesus joining the forum reminded me of it. The timing, Easter weekend, seems appropriate . I can't decide whether it is an ancient word-play joke passed un-noticed through the ages, or whether I was just the last one to catch on...

It appears in all four of the gospels.

Pontius Pilate stands in front of the assembled crowd during the feast of the passover, and offers the release of a prisoner. The choice to be made is between Jesus, son of God, King of the Jews, and a common criminal, Barabbas.

The entymological root of Barabbas is bar (son) abbas (father).

Hence, the choice becomes between releasing the Kingly Jesus (son of the father) and the criminal Barabbas (son of the father).

Primarily, the word play encompasses some deep gnostic truth about the nature of the individual and the relationship that all share with the creator. And more importantly, must have caused more than one wry, Yiddish, knowing smile through the centuries...

[Celtaur]

Now you have me even more confused about the meaning behind the symbolism cleverly embedded in religious stories, and on Easter weekend no less