Then Pilate called together the leading priests and other religious leaders, along with the people, and he announced his verdict. “You brought this man to me, accusing him of leading a revolt. I have examined him thoroughly on this point in your presence and find him innocent. Herod came to the same conclusion and sent him back to us. Nothing this man has done calls for the death penalty. ...But the mob shouted louder and louder, demanding that Jesus be crucified, and their voices prevailed. So Pilate sentenced Jesus to die as they demanded. (Luke 23:13-15, 23-24 NLT)Pilate really blew it. He had a chance to do the right thing with Jesus but he didn't. Pilate had a strong sense that Jesus was innocent since he understood Roman law and his wife had told him about her dreadful dream. Still Pilate caved. He chose to placate the crowd, rather than doing what he knew to be right. Truth be told - "Pilate had the gun." He was the only one with enough authority to sentence Jesus to death, or to spare him. Pilate alone made the decision to hand Jesus over to be crucified. No wonder Pilate is the only person other than God the Father, Jesus, The Holy Spirit and Mary who is mentioned by name in the Apostles Creed: "Suffered under Pontius Pilate..." The early church never wanted to forget the man most responsible for the crucifixion. The man who chose popularity over righteousness.
PRAY: Lord help me to listen to your voice and not the crowd's. Pilate is not the only one tempted to ignore his conscience for the sake of convenience. So Jesus please give me the strength to obey my conscience and heed my inner moral compass no matter what the voices around me are screaming. And if and when I don't - forgive me Lord. Forgive me. Amen.
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