Pilate is a very deceptive character in Jesus’ story.  At first glace, one might get the impression that Pilate is a strong calculating man.  A leader of men and a ruler of people.  A decisive man willing to take charge, if you will.

However, when we read the gospel accounts, we find that Pilate is a different kind of man.

Pilate is thrust into a decision making role concerning Jesus, after the religious leaders dumped Jesus on him, then demanded that Jesus be put to death.  After taking Jesus into custody, Pilate performed a thorough interrogation of Him.  Of his own admission, he could find no fault with Jesus.  He came to the conclusion that there was no merit to the claims that the religious leaders brought against Him.  Yet, Pilate lacked the courage to do what was right.  Instead of letting Jesus go, he shipped Him off to Herod as a way to relieve himself of any responsibility.

Unfortunately for Pilate, Herod sent Jesus back and he was once again asked to make a decision about Jesus.  He knew that Jesus was innocent, but feared the reaction of the crowd that was demanding Jesus be put to death.

Pilate tried once more to circumvent making a decision and gave the people a choice.  He would offer them Jesus or Barabbas.  In his estimation the people would ask for Jesus to be released, because Barabbas was a known criminal.  He was not in favor with the Romans or the Jews.  Pilate figured this would be a no-brainer.  He had solved his own dilemma.

However, Pilate miscalculated the contempt the religious leaders had for Jesus.  His plan backfired and the crowd called for Barabbas to be released.  Perplexed by this decision, Pilate asked what he should do with Jesus, and the crowd shouted, “Crucify Him! Crucify Him!”

If you are familiar with the story, you know that Pilate washed his hands in a basin of water and declared that Jesus blood was not on his hands.

Pilate represents the sum of people that have been confronted with the truth about Jesus, but relieve themselves of the responsibility to make a choice.  Pilate knew the truth about Jesus, and sent an innocent man to die on a Roman cross.  Pilate made a choice, but did not want to be accountable for his choice.

Many people are exposed to the truth about Jesus, but want to be absolved from the responsibility to make a choice.

When a person learns that Jesus is the Son of God and that He gave His life for the sins of humanity, he/she has a decision to make.  To accept the truth or reject it.

When that same person learns that they are guilty, that they have sinned, then they have a decision to make.  To accept the truth or reject it.

When he/she learns that Jesus died specifically for their sins, then they have a choice to make.  To accept the truth or reject it.

What some people want to do is mimic Pilate’s behavior.  They want to wash their hands and absolve themselves of making a decision about Jesus.  However, like Pilate, refusing to neglect the truth does not absolve anyone of the responsibility we all face to make a decision about Christ.  Like Pilate, to ignore the facts is the same as rejecting Jesus.

If you have been exposed to the truth about Jesus and you are avoiding making a decision about Him, and hoping that it will all work out in the end, you are being deceived.  You cannot absolve yourself from this responsibility.  You will be held accountable.

On the surface, Pilate’s position can give us the false notion that he is a strong decision maker, but underneath we find that he is a man that lacks true courage and allows fear to override his integrity.

Perhaps you want to make a decision for Christ, but like Pilate, you fear the response of the crowd of people in your life.

Perhaps you are worried your parents will not understand; because your family is not a religious family.

Maybe it’s your spouse.  He/she would never be on board with this.

Or, could it be your group of friends?  You have actually participated with them in making fun of those “holier-than-thou Christians.” They would never accept you,  but instead, would turn their criticism towards you.

It was the fear and retaliation of others that caused Pilate to be weak.  He knew what was right, yet he chose a different course because he was afraid.  If this is you, I want to encourage you to live by faith and not by fear.  Do what is right and trust God with the outcome.