When Pilate saw that he was getting nowhere … he took water and washed his hands in front of the crowd. “I am innocent of this man’s blood,” he said. “It is your responsibility!”

Matthew 27:24

For meditation

What a missed opportunity for Pilate when Jesus stood trial before him.

An interesting scenario, though. The Eternal Judge, standing trial before a human governor! What irony!

But that was the scene in Pilate’s court on the day the Jews brought Jesus – the Anointed One, their Messiah – before him in a case he could have dismissed in a minute. He knew by their evidence that Jesus was innocent and that it was out of envy that they had handed Jesus over to him (Matt. 27:18). So, why did he tolerate their intense pressure to crucify Jesus?

• Why do you yield to such pressure and allow injustice to prevail around you?

His wife told him about her nocturnal torment that Jesus was innocent and warned him not to have anything to do with Him (19). So why didn’t Pilate listen?

• Why do you disregard sound counsel?

Pilate knew, as Governor, that the last call was his to make. Yet, he dodged responsibility and sold that right to popular opinion (15-17).

• Do you avoid responsibility?

Did Pilate think that washing his hands and proclaiming himself innocent of the murder of Jesus could absolve him from complicity?

• Is that what you are thinking in the matter before you today?

So why did Pilate do it?

It is simple. Playing to the gallery is easy, popular, and empowering. But to what consequence? Allowing the noise of the crowd to drown reason and abort justice is cowardice. Yet, many, like Pilate, do that all the time.

• But you, child of God, why do you play games with matters of justice?

The Roman Governor had a unique opportunity before the court of heaven. But he denied himself the blessings of grace and failed to claim a seat on Rapture Flight 101.

• Are you not doing the same to yourself by holding out on Jesus?

How many times have we not acted like Pilate—times when we get so concerned with our now that we forget eternity and our responsibilities thereof; times when concern for our position or reputation overrules wisdom and all her counsel? But what do we reap for such folly of immense proportions?

I pray you always remember that you are perpetually on trial before Jesus in every decision and action and are ultimately responsible for them. And never forget that indecision, favoritism, appeasement, deferment, and pride are your worst enemies in judgment and rule. Amen!