There are all kinds of weapons in the Enemy’s arsenal that are pulled out when in war with God and His mission to save us from the world of hate, despair, and darkness. One of the greatest of these weapons is crowd control and management through spreading gossip and slander in ways to incite the crowd to violence based on lies. It still happens frequently today. And we fall for it more times than not.
Another weapon the Enemy uses is our own selfish desire to be “in charge” with the image of power over people’s destiny. Pilate, a governor caught in the middle of a political system, wanting to move up in the ranks of position, and appease the religious leaders take an opportunity to “play to the crowd” but the religious leaders actually “played” him so Pilate would to do their dirty work to seal the fate of Jesus’ death.
Although our Enemy can and does cause great collateral damage in the lives of those who allow it, he never wins, because God is in control. Nothing escapes the notice of God. Jesus, His Son, knows that His Father is in control and He will have final say—the Victory over death and every move made that leads to death and darkness. Hold that thought as we continue to read the account from Matthew as he tells of Jesus last days on earth of being slandered, humiliated, mocked, beaten, and nailed to a cross as the ONLY Way to rescue us from the sin that holds in bondage, freeing us to reconnect with our Maker, be reconciled and justified, back under the protection of His love, mercy and grace.
Pilot is a mere political pawn in the greater plan of God’s ultimate plan to save us.
Matthew 27, The Message
Pilate
11 Jesus was placed before the governor, who questioned him: “Are you the ‘King of the Jews’?”
Jesus said, “If you say so.”
12-14 But when the accusations rained down hot and heavy from the high priests and religious leaders, he said nothing. Pilate asked him, “Do you hear that long list of accusations? Aren’t you going to say something?” Jesus kept silence—not a word from his mouth. The governor was impressed, really impressed.
15-18 It was an old custom during the Feast for the governor to pardon a single prisoner named by the crowd. At the time, they had the infamous Jesus Barabbas in prison. With the crowd before him, Pilate said, “Which prisoner do you want me to pardon: Jesus Barabbas, or Jesus the so-called Christ?” He knew it was through sheer spite that they had turned Jesus over to him.
19 While court was still in session, Pilate’s wife sent him a message: “Don’t get mixed up in judging this noble man. I’ve just been through a long and troubled night because of a dream about him.”
20 Meanwhile, the high priests and religious leaders had talked the crowd into asking for the pardon of Barabbas and the execution of Jesus.
21 The governor asked, “Which of the two do you want me to pardon?”
They said, “Barabbas!”
22 “Then what do I do with Jesus, the so-called Christ?”
They all shouted, “Nail him to a cross!”
23 He objected, “But for what crime?”
But they yelled all the louder, “Nail him to a cross!”
24 When Pilate saw that he was getting nowhere and that a riot was imminent, he took a basin of water and washed his hands in full sight of the crowd, saying, “I’m washing my hands of responsibility for this man’s death. From now on, it’s in your hands. You’re judge and jury.”
25 The crowd answered, “We’ll take the blame, we and our children after us.”
26 Then he pardoned Barabbas. But he had Jesus whipped, and then handed over for crucifixion.
WHAT DO WE LEARN—HOW DO WE RESPOND?
Pontius Pilate was the sixth Roman procurator to serve in Judea. He was not liked by the Jews because he did things that deliberately violated their law and provoked them. He was not above killing people to accomplish his purposes (Luke 13:1). Pilate’s position was always rather precarious because of his bad relationship with Israel and because of Rome’s changing policy with the Jews. “Caught in the middle with you…”
Pilate’s position is his only source of “power” as the political see power. He waffles when a decision is forced upon him. He turns to a shouting mob to appease the Jews who have indoctrinated them. Jesus knows. The scripture is being fulfilled. God is still in control. Jesus endures all that is happening to Him without deterring from the mission to complete ahead of Him.
Jesus was silent. Did that mean He lost control or power? Absolutely not. All those who believed in Him then, during and after—in the generations to come were on His mind as he took the fall for our sins. We were on His mind. Camp on that thought.
Sometimes it amazes me to watch and wonder at how much power we humans honestly think we have and hold as we try to control any given circumstance or situation. We take a lot for granted without thinking if the garage door will open—we expect it to open; the lights will come on—when we flip the switch; the car will start—when we push the button or turn the key; the shower water will flow and be warm and cozy—when we turn it on.
This “taking for granted” attitude grows a self-reliance that might eventually cause us to think we are in control of our lives—until one of these daily tasks we rely on breaks down. Wait, what? The sun, moon, and stars don’t revolve around me and my comfort? (Smiling) Our attitude changes immediately. Our tempers rise. We are appalled that something would dare stop working under our watch, care, and control!
Immediately this verse comes to mind; “Be cheerful no matter what; pray all the time; thank God no matter what happens. This is the way God wants you who belong to Christ Jesus to live.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, MSG
Pilateknew what was right, but refused to do anything about it. He was trying to “gratify the crowd” (Mark 15:15). Judas yielded to the devil in his great sin (John 13:2, 27); Peter yielded to the flesh when he denied his Lord; but Pilate yielded to the world and listened to the crowd. Pilate looked for the easy way, the more political way, but not the right way.
Warren Wiersbe writes, “The Jewish leaders accused Jesus of three crimes. They claimed that He was guilty of misleading the nation, forbidding the paying of taxes, and claiming to be a king. These were definitely political charges, the kind that a Roman governor could handle. Pilate focused on the third charge—that Jesus claimed to be a king—because this was a definite threat to Rome. If he could deal with this revolutionary properly, Pilate could please the Jews and impress the emperor at the same time.”
Pilot went down in history as the man who condemned Jesus.
Oh Lord,
Help me to avoid “worldly political pleasing” in all decision making. All have sinned and fall short of your glory in life’s skirmishes with this evil. Forgive us. We cry out for your wisdom, insight, and more understanding in what you want us to think, say and do daily. I lay my life before you as an offering to you. Thank you for all you have done to save me. Thank you for teaching me. Continue to cleanse our hearts, renew our minds, refresh and feed our souls, and restore the joy of your salvation at work within me. I want to be an “out of control” disciple under your guidance.
In Jesus Name, By Your Power, For Your Glory, Amen
Daily Manna (Coffee with Jesus) 