November 4, 2014

Mark 15: 10. For he perceived that it was out of envy that the chief priests had delivered him up.

 Pilate is wondering how he ever got involved in this whole Jesus thing. He can see that Jesus is not cooperating with the Jewish authorities, but he hasn't committed any crime. Surely reason will prevail if he just offers Jesus as the prisoner to be pardoned as he always does for one on Passover. He thinks he will be off the hook. But he underestimated the power of the authorities, who stir up the crowd to free a true criminal instead. Then "Pilate washes his hands and seals his fate."

 The role of Pilate has been a mystery to me. Was he just evil, or was he misguided? He had great authority, but he let himself be swayed by the masses to do something he knew was wrong. The death of the only truly innocent man in history is his fault to some degree. I don't want the kind of power that would put people's lives in my hands. I am afraid that I would be weak like Pilate was.

 Prayer: Lord, open my eyes so that I don't make mistakes like Pilate did. I know I can be swayed into taking the wrong path. I am weak, and I need Your guidance. Stay with me when temptation is in front of me. Amen