Easter People | Pilate
Making Difficult Decisions: Lessons from Pilate's Encounter with Jesus
When it comes to faith, doubt is a universal experience that many Christians struggle to acknowledge. Through examining Thomas's story in the Gospel of John, we can learn valuable lessons about handling doubt in our spiritual journey.
Who Was Pontius Pilate?
Pilate was the Roman governor of Israel during Jesus' crucifixion. Based in Caesarea, he was known for his brutal leadership style and maintaining Roman control. Archaeological evidence, including a discovered stone inscription, confirms his historical existence and position.
The Critical Moment: Jesus Before Pilate
When Jewish leaders brought Jesus to Pilate early one morning, they sought capital punishment - something only Roman authorities could authorize. This began a series of fascinating interactions between Pilate and Jesus.
Key Questions Pilate Asked Jesus:
"Are you the king of the Jews?"
"What is truth?"
"Where do you come from?"
Why Did Pilate Struggle with His Decision?
Despite recognizing Jesus' innocence, several factors complicated Pilate's decision:
Political pressure from Jewish leaders
Fear of losing his position
His wife's warning dream about Jesus
Personal uncertainty about Jesus' divine nature
Concern about public opinion
What Can We Learn from Pilate's Failure?
Three crucial lessons emerge:
Don't let crowds do your thinking
Indecision is actually a decision
Truth requires personal response
The Ultimate Question: What Will You Do with Jesus?
Like Pilate, we all face this fundamental question. Jesus himself asked two important questions:
"Who do people say that I am?"
"Who do you say that I am?"
Life Application:
Remember: Indecision about Jesus is still a decision. Choose to actively engage with the question of who Jesus is and what that means for your life.
Questions to reflect on:
Am I letting others influence my decisions about faith?
What's holding me back from fully committing to what I know is true?
How can I take a stand for truth even when it's difficult?
Challenge:
Take time this week to honestly examine what you believe about Jesus. Don't just walk away undecided - actively seek answers to your questions about faith. Consider talking with someone who can help you explore these important spiritual matters.
