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There is no more dramatic scene in all of history than the trial of Jesus in the court of Pontius Pilate. On one hand was a heathen governor who had to choose between just treatment of an innocent man and concern for his own political career. On the other hand, was a blood-thirsty mob, screaming for Jesus’ death, quite willing to accept the guilt, both for themselves and their children. In between was Jesus, who had spent His life helping healing, teaching others, finally dying to save such as were screaming for His blood. Knowing Jesus’ innocence, yet lacking courage to dismiss His case in the face of the frenzied mob, Pilate cried out in his indecision, “What then shall I do unto Jesus, who is called Christ?” (Mat. 27:22). He had to do something. He could not remain neutral. Neither can anyone else who has heard His Gospel. Pilate’s attempts to deal with Jesus typify those of all men who reject Him.
Pilate first tried to evade doing anything by sending Jesus to Herod (Luke 23:7). However, Herod soon sent Him back to Pilate and he still had to do something with Him. Men still try to evade making a response to Jesus by trying to run from Him or by promising or procrastinating. We can no more successfully evade our responsibility toward Him than Pilate could.
Pilate sought to defend Jesus to the mob by saying he found no fault in Him (Luke 23:13–15. While the attempt was noble, it was wasted. Besides, it was not Pilate’s place to defend Jesus, but to release Him if He was innocent. Some still try to defend Jesus without ever really serving Him. To give Jesus the place he deserves we must lovingly obey Him, not merely say some words in His defense.
Pilate tried substitution of Barabbas for Jesus (Mat. 27:17). People have pushed Jesus aside and are seeking to substitute civic clubs, political parties, etc. for His service.
Pilate also tried appeasement (Luke 23:16) and ceremony (Mat. 27:24), but all of these were failures. Faith and service are man’s proper responses to Jesus (Luke 6:46).
[Note: I wrote this article for, and it was published in the “Bible Thoughts” Column for the Hood County News, Granbury, Texas, January 1, 1978.]
Attribution: From thescripturecache.com; Dub McClish, owner and administrator.
