Pontius Pilate was a man who had authority. Being the governor of Judea from about A.D. 26 to 36, he was the one who told Jesus, "Do you not know that I have power to crucify You, and power to release You" (John 19:10b, NKJV)? Yet, on that day of days, he gave up his power to an envious and hateful mob. On the pages of the sacred text, we read of a man who passed the buck, who was fearful, and who allowed himself to be pushed around by his subjects. Yes, Pilate, as the apostle Peter later said, "was determined to let [Jesus] go" (Acts 3:13d), but instead he allowed him to be executed.
As the governor of Judea (Luke 3:1), Pilate had judicial responsibilities. After questioning Jesus regarding the charges brought forth by the Jewish leaders, Pilate said, “You have brought this Man to me, as one who misleads the people. And indeed, having examined Him in your presence, I have found no fault in this Man concerning those things of which you accuse Him" (Luke 23:14). Pilate knew the real motivation of the Jews: they were envious of Jesus (Mark 15:10). Yet, as the people became all the fiercer (Luke 23:5), Pilate, perhaps thinking of holding on to his position as governor, lost any shred of integrity he might have had by delivering Jesus to be crucified. James wrote, Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin (James 4:17).
Pilate is not alone in this type of sin. Adam listened to the voice of his wife over the commandment of God (Genesis 3:17). Aaron failed to restrain the Israelites from their desire to make a molded calf and worship it (Exodus 32:25). Peter withdrew from eating with Gentiles when certain Jews came to Antioch from Jerusalem, fearing what they might think (Galatians 2:12). Yes, this cowardly behavior can infect us too. Have you ever compromised your beliefs to please someone else?
Friends show up to your home at 5:30 on a Sunday night. Are you going to invite them along with you to worship, or will you stay at home to entertain them worried by what they might think? Your cousin from California telephones that he is in town and wants you to meet him at certain place for supper. But you know this place to be more of a bar then a restaurant, and you had previously told yourself you would never go into that place. Will you compromise your integrity for the sake of your cousin? Will you, as we sometimes say, "go along to get along?"
Or will you stand by your convictions no matter the cost? The people wanted Jesus to be a warrior king to free them from Roman bondage (John 6:15). But that was not his mission, nor would he yield to their desires. Rather, he sent those people away (Matthew 14:22). Pilate should have sent the mob away, as he had the power to do so. Yes, others might think it strange that you do not run with them (1 Peter 4:4). So be it. In that critical hour of decision, may we endeavor to be faithful instead of fearful.
Brotherly, Jamie
