Journey Through The Bible
     Old Testament Reading: Job 32-34
     New Testament Reading: Mark 15

Pilate asked them again, “Then what do you want me to do with the one you call the king of the Jews?” Again they shouted, “Crucify him!” Pilate said to them, “Why? What has he done wrong?” But they shouted all the more, “Crucify him!” Wanting to satisfy the crowd, Pilate released Barabbas to them; and after having Jesus flogged, he handed him over to be crucified (Mark 15:12-15).

In twelve hours, Jesus endures a Jewish trial and a Roman trial, each in three separate stages. First, Annas, the former high priest, presided over the Jewish trial (John 18:13-24). After questioning and insulting Jesus, Annas sent Jesus bound to his son-in-law, Caiaphas, the high priest. The Sanhedrin was assembled, and witnesses were prepared to give false testimony. (Mark 14:53-65). And then Jesus was brought to an early morning session for the final vote of condemnation (Mark 15:1).

Jesus was then sent to Pilate for the Roman trial (Mark 15:1-5; John 18:28-38). Pilate then sends Jesus to Herod (Luke 23:6-12). After questioning Him, Herod sends Jesus back to Pilate (Mark 15:6-15; John 18:39-19:6). Pilate asked what he should do with the One whom they called the King of the Jews. The people chanted, “Crucify Him!” Pilate demanded a reason, but there was none. Mob hysteria was rising. All they would shout was, “Crucify Him!”

Pontius Pilate, the governor of Judea, stood at a crossroads. The fate of the very Son of God rested in his hands. This same Jesus, who only a week before had performed miracles of healing, now faced a mob demanding his death.

Pilate interrogated Jesus and found He had done nothing worthy of crucifixion. But instead of leading, instead of taking an unpopular stand and allowing this innocent man to go free, Pilate gave in to the outrage of an unruly crowd. He released a notorious criminal and sentenced this guiltless man to die an agonizing death on a cross. Pilate recognized the injustice. But with the mob looking on, Pilate “washed his hands” of Jesus’ blood (Matt. 27:24) and allowed Him to be executed.

In a moment of supreme paradox, God used Pilate’s refusal to lead and do what was right, to carry out His own plan of salvation. God saw into the heart of Pilate and knew that when push came to shove, this man would give in to the demands of the crowd.

When God calls His people to lead, when He calls us to take an unpopular stand, we cannot “wash our hands” of the responsibility. Leaders will face moments when they have no choice but to stand up to the crowd and do what is right.