Behold the Man: The Innocent Christ and the War on Truth

Behold the Man: The Innocent Christ and the War on Truth
Dr. Spencer R. Fusselman

In John 18 and 19, we are invited to witness the most significant trial in human history. Not in Rome, not in Nuremberg, not in The Hague, but in a dusty corner of Jerusalem, where truth itself stood trial. The accused? Jesus of Nazareth—perfectly innocent, yet condemned. The outcome? Barabbas, a murderer and rebel, set free while the Son of God is handed over to be crucified. In a scene filled with irony, power, politics, and prophecy, the heart of the gospel beats loud: the innocent dies for the guilty. This paper explores the theological depth of this event, drawing connections from Old Testament prophecy to New Testament fulfillment, and asking what this means for us today in a world still at war with truth.

The War on Truth
"What is truth?" (John 18:38). With this question, Pontius Pilate inadvertently voices the anthem of every age bent on moral relativism. As R.C. Sproul once remarked, Pilate stood face to face with incarnate Truth and could not recognize Him. In a culture increasingly driven by emotion, preference, and personal narrative, Pilate’s shrug feels hauntingly familiar. Jesus, however, had already declared, "I am the way, the truth, and the life" (John 14:6). Truth is not a concept, but a Person. Pilate’s failure to acknowledge objective truth mirrors the crisis of our time: when truth is dethroned, injustice reigns.

Barabbas and Substitutionary Atonement

John 18:40 introduces us to Barabbas, a violent insurrectionist, whom the people chose over Jesus. This moment isn’t just a travesty of justice—it’s a theological metaphor. Barabbas, the guilty, walks free. Jesus, the spotless Lamb, takes his place. This is the heart of the gospel: Christ substituted Himself for sinners (2 Corinthians 5:21; Romans 5:6-8). Theologian John Stott called this the "self-substitution of God." And long before this scene, God had woven the idea into Israel’s story—from the scapegoat in Leviticus 16 to the Passover lamb in Exodus 12, to the Suffering Servant in Isaiah 53: "He was led as a lamb to the slaughter... and He opened not His mouth" (Isaiah 53:7, NKJV).

Fulfillment of Prophecy

Throughout His trial, Jesus remains silent, fulfilling Isaiah’s vision of the Messiah. He does not defend Himself before the High Priest (Matthew 26:63), before Herod (Luke 23:9), or before Pilate (John 19:9). Hebrews 9 and 10 reinforce the idea that Jesus was not just a martyr, but a High Priest offering Himself as the final sacrifice for sin. He is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29). Every act in the Passion narrative is a fulfillment of ancient prophecy and divine orchestration.


Pilate declares Jesus innocent three times (John 18:38; 19:4, 6), yet still hands Him over to be crucified. Here, we see the collision of human cowardice and divine sovereignty. Acts 2:23 declares that Jesus was "delivered by the determined purpose and foreknowledge of God." The most unjust act in history was simultaneously the most gracious.



Every day, we are faced with the choice between the truth of Christ and the comfort of cultural compromise. In our own way, we often choose a "Barabbas" when we trade God’s truth for self-serving lies, when we prioritize convenience over conviction. But even in those moments, Christ has taken our place. He stood silent so we could be forgiven. He was bound so we could be free.

In the courtroom of Pilate, the people were given a choice: Jesus or Barabbas. That same choice echoes into our daily lives. The "Barabbas" figures we face may not be rebels or criminals, but they represent counterfeit comforts, false saviors, or convenient lies we are tempted to choose over the costly truth of Jesus.

Here are a few ways we can choose truth—choose Jesus—over Barabbas:

1. Prioritize Scripture Over Sentiment
Our culture often says, “Follow your heart,” but Jeremiah 17:9 reminds us the heart can be deceptive. Instead, we are called to “let the word of Christ dwell in [us] richly” (Colossians 3:16). When faced with decisions, test them against God’s Word, not just your feelings.

2. Practice Confession and Repentance
When we realize we’ve chosen poorly—when we’ve traded Christ for something lesser—don't hide. Confess. The beauty of the gospel is that Jesus already took the punishment. “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us” (1 John 1:9). Own your Barabbas moments, and let grace reshape your heart.

3. Seek Community that Pursues Truth
Surround yourself with people who love the truth. Proverbs 13:20 says, “He who walks with wise men will be wise.” Join small groups, find a mentor, and pursue accountability—because isolation often breeds compromise.

4. Engage the Mind and Spirit
Loving God involves both heart and intellect (Mark 12:30). Read theology, wrestle with questions, and deepen your understanding of who Jesus is. Resources like The Cross of Christ by John Stott or Knowing God by J.I. Packer can shape how you discern truth from falsehood.

5. Practice Daily Surrender
Each morning, ask: “What cross do I need to carry today?” (Luke 9:23). Choosing truth isn’t always comfortable, but it’s always worth it. Start small: choose honesty over image, patience over reaction, and Scripture over scrolling.

The trial of Jesus is not ancient news; it is a living testimony of God's justice, mercy, and love. The innocent died for the guilty. Truth stood trial and won by surrender. As Sproul put it, "Barabbas was the first person to ever live under the doctrine of substitutionary atonement. He didn't understand it, but he lived it." May we not only understand it but embrace it—and respond with gratitude, surrender, and truth-filled lives.


John 18–19; Isaiah 53; Exodus 12; Leviticus 16; Hebrews 9–10; Romans 5:6–8; 2 Corinthians 5:21; Acts 2:23; John 14:6; John 1:29