Pilate’s Problem “What shall I do with Jesus?”
- Power In the Blood Assembly
- Apr 5
- 3 min read
By: Bishop Dr. Eric Peters
Pilate’s Problem “What shall I do with Jesus?”
Matthew 27:15-26 NASB95 Now at the feast the governor was accustomed to release for the people any one prisoner whom they wanted. [16] At that time they were holding a notorious prisoner, called Barabbas. [17] So when the people gathered together, Pilate said to them, "Whom do you want me to release for you? Barabbas, or Jesus who is called Christ?" [18] For he knew that because of envy they had handed Him over. [19] While he was sitting on the judgment seat, his wife sent him a message, saying, "Have nothing to do with that righteous Man; for last night I suffered greatly in a dream because of Him." [20] But the chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowds to ask for Barabbas and to put Jesus to death. [21] But the governor said to them, "Which of the two do you want me to release for you?" And they said, "Barabbas." [22] Pilate said to them, "Then what shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ?" They all said, "Crucify Him!" [23] And he said, "Why, what evil has He done?" But they kept shouting all the more, saying, "Crucify Him!" [24] When Pilate saw that he was accomplishing nothing, but rather that a riot was starting, he took water and washed his hands in front of the crowd, saying, "I am innocent of this Man's blood; see to that yourselves." [25] And all the people said, "His blood shall be on us and on our children!" [26] Then he released Barabbas for them; but after having Jesus scourged, he handed Him over to be crucified.
Pilate is at the crossroads of his life. He is faced with a decision that has personal and generational implications.
He sits in the position of authority to make the final call when it comes to Christ.
Problem: He is on his throne and is surrounded by thousands of voices and perspectives and must now make his decision.
Jesus is at his mercy and his fate is in the hands of this human. The Son of God stands before His created being to be judged and the verdict is decisive and final.
Today many are in that same position. We are all Pilates in the same position of authority with the same opportunity to make a decision.
Our call is final there is no pulling back there is no appealing of the case as Jesus will accept His verdict and His fate.
The People’s Choice.
The season is one of merriment and expectation where one person is released to the people usually by their own choosing. Vs 15
The People to be chosen.
Two men stand before the people of differing reputations and contrasting consequences. Vs 17
The Prompting of People.
Persons can encourage based on their personal experiences but the choice is ours to make. Vs 19
The Popular opinion.
The influential and influenced will seek to choose based on their own desires but it does not excuse us individually. Vs 20&21
The Personal Choice.
Regardless of the choice of the people we are required to make our own choice based on our own revelation. Vs 22&23
The Price of Choice.
There is no action that can be taken to release us from the consequences of our choice. Vs 24
Conclusion
How do those around you regard Christ?
We are faced with varied views of Christ daily.
How are they influencing your position?
We are a product of our environment and our engagements.
What choices are you faced with?
Your choice will be inflicted by your values.
What choice will you make today?
Your choice today is your eternal verdict on Christ.
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