Avoiding Pilate's Plight

Thoughts on John 18:33 through 19:16

Sometimes I feel sorry for people in the Bible, you know they did not wake up that day and say, "Gosh, I really would like to be manipulated today into making some poor choices..."  In this instance, Pilate being manipulated into condemning Jesus, when he did not even want to be involved in the entire affair...

Focus on the right kingdom
We have two kingdom's set before us we can serve: man's or God's.  The one you bow to is the one you serve!

Pilate was considered a brutal ruler and political climber.  In this passage he held absolute power over Jesus and was only answerable to Caesar!  He needed to control and force peace over Judea, it would take only one mis-step on his part to lose all he had attained.

Pilate never really had a choice here, because God is in control and Pilate was the unknowing puppet.

Accept absolute truth.
When confronted by Pilate, Jesus confirms Pilate's sarcasm.  Though Pilate finds Jesus to be innocent, but he does not actually believe that there is truth outside of his truth!  His fear defines his truth - there is none apart from him.  Truth is found in the moment.  So Jesus is turned over to the crowd.  He will prove he is Caesar's friend and a worthy ruler!

However, truth is universal, no unique to us.  We are all subject to the truth as a unit of measure. God/Jesus defines truth.

Take responsibility for your decisions.
Pilate washes his hands of this entire matter, but in doing so, he chose death for Jesus turning him over to the gathered crowd.


Yeah, Pilate did not wake up and say, "Gosh I really want to be manipulated today!", and yet he was so owned by the Jews in this instance!  They wanted blood and he let them have it.

We have a direct correlation in our lives.  We have allowed for the creation and control of a cultural system in which all is tolerated - except Christianity.  It is really that simple - your lack of standing in place and up for God, has allowed a culture to evolve in which God is discounted by the masses, God is no longer understood by those whom would claim to know Him, and the only unhappy about this are the "radicals".

Maybe it is time for you to consider being a bit radical, you know, stand up to your school boards, make the fight public, do your fighting on your knees, God can turn this nation and culture around, if you are willing to stand up in His name, for His values, for His glory and not our own.....