Pontius Pilate’s Dilemma

 

   As the Roman Curator over Jerusalem Pilate had one primary responsibility, to keep the peace.  The Israelites were notorious for uprisings against Roman rule and had many times been subject to reprisals for their insurrections.  It was in this rebellious state that Jesus was brought before Pilate.

   Still, Pilate apparently did not want to condemn Jesus.  In an effort to placate the Priests and religious leaders He had Him scourged, but that did no good.  He gave them the choice of freeing Jesus or Barabbas, a known murderer; they chose Barabbas.  Finally, he gave them what they demanded, the crucifixion of Christ.

   As a Roman, Pilate had no reason to care about Jesus or the Jewish religious leaders, only keeping the peace.  It would have been easier to just give them what they wanted immediately but instead He tried to set Jesus free.  The gospel of John, chapters 18 and 19 clearly show that Pilate did not want to crucify Jesus.  Still, he bowed to the wishes of the Jews rather than take a stand against their treachery.

   What is interesting to me is that Pilate, as well as the Jewish religious leaders, were merely tools in God’s plan of salvation.  It had been foretold that Jesus must suffer, be crucified, die, and be resurrected.  Pilate, the leaders of the Jews, and even the crowds themselves were the instruments God used to accomplish what had to occur.

   God uses many people and many events to accomplish His will.  He used Pilate, the High Priest, and others even though they were unaware.  With an open heart, a willing soul, and a desire to do His will we can choose to be His instruments of peace and love, helping to bring salvation to the world today. 

You use many people to do You will,

Make me one of them.

I give You my heart and soul.

Use me Lord. 

Amen