Journey Through The Bible
     Old Testament Reading: Zechariah 12-14
     New Testament Reading: Matthew 27

While he was sitting on the judge’s bench, his wife sent word to him, “Have nothing to do with that righteous man, for today I’ve suffered terribly in a dream because of him” (Matthew 27:19).

The Jewish leaders decided Jesus must die. But because they could not execute anyone, they turned him over to the Romans. Jesus appeared before Pontius Pilate, the governor of Samaria and Judea. The Jewish leaders refused to believe Jesus was the Messiah and insisted that Pilate execute him.

While Pilot sat on his judgment seat, his wife warned him not to condemn Jesus. God had given Pilate’s wife a nightmare that convinced her Jesus was a righteous man. Many Romans revered dreams as an important means of receiving guidance, and God used this belief to testify to Jesus’ innocence.

Deep down, Pilate knew Jesus was innocent, but he refused to stand up to the pressure of the Jewish authorities. According to Roman law, Pilate should have released Jesus, but the governor was more concerned with pleasing the crowd than doing what was right.

Pontius Pilate gives us a sad example of a leader who failed to take responsibility. When Jesus appeared before him for judgment, he could find nothing wrong with Him. Yet instead of listening to his wife’s advice and judging Him as innocent, he succumbed to the pressure of the crowd.

Sensing they wanted to punish an innocent man, he gave them a choice: Barabbas or Jesus? When they wrongly chose Jesus as the more guilty man, Pilate walked over to a basin of water and tried to wash his hands of any responsibility for his decision. He pretended he could evade ownership of the consequences. Pilate committed the sin of omission and tried to get off on a legal technicality.

God uses different methods to speak to us, and we cannot ignore Him, no matter how He chooses to do so. Pilate would have been wise to listen to the Lord’s caution through his wife. What did God tell Pilate’s wife in this dream? What did He intend to accomplish through it? How should the dream have influenced events? We don’t know—but we know God speaks to those with open ears.

When we face big decisions, we should take to heart the warnings and wisdom of those who know us best—our spouse, parent, or close friend. And when his or her wisdom contradicts our plans, we should pause in deciding and continue to seek the Lord’s guidance. We should also evaluate our motives. Are we seeking the praise of others or God’s approval?