I have often found myself in the midst of the story of the crucifixion feeling bad for Pilate.  I know that maybe that sounds strange since he is the one even mentioned in our Apostles Creed along with the crucifixion.  The thing is he looks for a way out over and over.  He wants nothing to do with Jesus’ trial and certainly not with His death.  He tries three times to dissuade the religious leaders and crowds.  Let’s look together at some of his interaction found in Luke 23. 

13 Pilate called together the chief priests, the rulers and the people, 14 and said to them, “You brought me this man as one who was inciting the people to rebellion. I have examined him in your presence and have found no basis for your charges against him. 15 Neither has Herod, for he sent him back to us; as you can see, he has done nothing to deserve death. 16 Therefore, I will punish him and then release him.” [17]  18 But the whole crowd shouted, “Away with this man! Release Barabbas to us!” 19 (Barabbas had been thrown into prison for an insurrection in the city, and for murder.) 20 Wanting to release Jesus, Pilate appealed to them again. 21 But they kept shouting, “Crucify him! Crucify him!” 22 For the third time he spoke to them: “Why? What crime has this man committed? I have found in him no grounds for the death penalty. Therefore I will have him punished and then release him.” 23 But with loud shouts they insistently demanded that he be crucified, and their shouts prevailed. 24 So Pilate decided to grant their demand. 25 He released the man who had been thrown into prison for insurrection and murder, the one they asked for, and surrendered Jesus to their will.

Perhaps Pilate’s greatest fault in all of this is that he wasn’t willing to stand up and do what he thought was right.  He tried to avoid the situation.  He tried to talk the people down.  In the end it was his decision.  He simply was not willing to take a stand.  Obviously that was God’s plan all along to use him for this purpose.  Some traditions even believe that Pilate became a follower of Jesus after all of this.  Perhaps that greatest thing we can take away from Pilate is the need to stand up for what we believe.  Pilate was in a difficult situation.  He knew what he thought should happen but everyone else was against him.  Life can feel that way at times.  That is why it is so important to have others in our life who hold to the same faith we do and can help us along in this often difficult journey.  It is so crucial that we are linked with allies to stand beside us, push us, and encourage us through the challenges of life.  Pilate was alone and had no such support and so he succumbed to the wishes of the crowds.  I pray that we would all have close allies to help us navigate the tough situations of life. 

In His Grip,
Pastor Dave