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PILATE’S QUESTION. “Then what shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ?” (Matt. 27:22). The Events. Last Supper; Arrest in the Garden; Mock Trials (Jewish authorities, Pilate, Herod, Pilate, scourged, delivered) Pilate’s verdict: “I find no fault in him.”
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PILATE’S QUESTION “Then what shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ?” (Matt. 27:22)
The Events • Last Supper; Arrest in the Garden; Mock Trials (Jewish authorities, Pilate, Herod, Pilate, scourged, delivered) • Pilate’s verdict: “I find no fault in him.” • “But I won’t decide. I’ll let you do it so I can wash my hands of guilt.” • “What shall I do with Jesus?” • The question for all time.
Those Involved in the Verdict • Roman government – justice or whims of people? Rom. 13; I Peter 2:13-17. • Jewish authorities – Traditions or truth? A relevant question for today. • Pilate – conviction or popularity? Same questions we wrestle with today. • “He who is not with Me is against Me; and he who does not gather with Me scatters” (Matt. 12:30).
Remember… • What we do with Jesus, we do with God: John 10:30; 14:9-10; 13:20 • Our attitude toward Him includes His body, the church: Eph. 5:22f. • This demonstrates our relation to God, and to eternal salvation: John 14:6; Heb. 7:25.
Note the Verdicts: • The Mob - “Crucify Him.” • Pilate – No fault, but washed his hands. • Pilate’s wife – “Have nothing to do with Him”. Agnostics position. Too many fail to resolve their doubts. • Judas – Betray. Too impatient. • Centurion – “Surely this was the Son of God.”
Results of Decisions • Romans, Jewish (religious) authorities, Pilate, and the mob all answered for this pivotal judgment. • All are dead, but their attitude lives on. • “Pilatism” – too weak to live up to his decision. • “Religionists” – prejudice lives on. • “Mob” – ignorance and weakness dominates. • Will YOU have the courage to live as the apostles and disciples?