‘Pilate said to them, “Then what shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ?”’ (Matthew 27:22 ESV).
The Roman Governor Pilate asked the crowd to answer this question for him. He sought to avoid making a decision about Jesus, but his plan backfired. The crowd’s surprising support of the criminal Barabbas left Pilate still responsible to answer the question of what to do with Jesus. Pilate gave the paid-off crowd the answer they wanted. Crucify him.
Pilate still insisted that he had nothing to do with Christ’s death, washing his hands of the Innocent One’s blood. Of course, this symbolic act in no way minimized Pilate’s responsibility. He could blame his decision on the crowd, but the decision was still his.
Pilate isn’t the only one that must answer the question, “What should I do with Jesus?” It remains the singularly most important question of all time. How have you answered it?
PRAYER: Dear Father, give us the grace to put this question before everyone we know. We would not have anyone go into eternity without grappling with what they should do with Jesus. As for us, we have believed and received His sacrifice for our sins. We are thankful for His redemption. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.