Making A Life Changing Decision
Our scripture text for today is part of the Easter story. Pontius Pilate needed to make the toughest decision of his life. He was caught between the advice of his wife, the chants of the crowd, and his political career. What has been a life changing decision for you?
He took Jesus back into the headquarters again and asked him, “Where are you from?” But Jesus gave no answer. “Why don’t you talk to me?” Pilate demanded. “Don’t you realize that I have the power to release you or crucify you?” John 19:9,10 NLT
My recollection of the various movies made of the life of Jesus showed a different order of this event. These accounts of the crucifixion had Jesus with Pilate first. Then He was sent to be flogged followed by Jesus carrying the cross to Golgotha.
According to John’s account, it happened the other way around. It says in the Gospel of John after Jesus was beaten they returned Him to Pilate. He must have been a bloody mess when they took Him back to see the governor.
Here’s a question that crosses my mind about this incident. Since Pilate considered Jesus innocent why did he have Him flogged, especially with a lead-laced whip?
Pilate had Jesus flogged with a lead-tipped whip. . . . Pilate said. “I find him not guilty.” John 19:1,6
The Crowd Wanted to Make Pilate’s Life Changing Decision
Pilate paraded Jesus in front of the crowd, beaten, bloody, and wearing a crown of thorns.
Then Jesus came out wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe. And Pilate said, “Look, here is the man!” John 19:5
Maybe he was trying to play off the compassion of the crowd. But it was obvious that when it came to Jesus, they had none.
It seemed as if Pilate was left with only one option. The most important decision of his life was based on pleasing the crowd. Therefore he played his political card in an effort to further his career.
Governments haven’t changed through time because I see the same things happening today. Now I don’t get into politics so this is a rarity.
Many governments officials past and present, have sought political gain over the best interests of the people. Doesn’t that sound familiar in the time and place we are living.
Throughout the centuries two major types of governments have existed. One is called a democracy. Similar to the country we live in, which is a government for the people by the people.
The other is a dictatorship. A dictator runs their country for the interest of them self and his or her small party of followers.
God’s Government
There is however one other type of government that doesn’t originate on the earth. This type is a theocracy. Things aren’t voted on, nor is one person in charge.
God makes the decisions and His will has precedence overall. His decisions always benefit those involved.
I personally am glad Christianity is not a dictatorship. I’m also glad it’s not a democracy. We are a part of a theocracy and God is in control.
When faced with making a life changing decision, seek God’s will. And when it comes to pleasing others, God is your greatest priority.
Lord thanks for being the head. We know that your will is supreme and as much as the world would like to repeal and veto your plans, you are immovable.
Check out the entire chapter of John 19.
Related Easter Posts
All of the other related Holy Week Posts include the following.
- Monday Of Holy Week, Jesus Cleaned Out The Temple.
- Tuesday Of Holy Week, Opportunities Taken By Jesus.
- Wednesday of Holy Week, Jesus Knows How To Be Our Savior.
- Thursday of Holy Week – The Agreement Of The New Covenant.
- Good Friday, The Most Difficult Day Of Holy Week.
- Saturday Of Holy Week – Jesus’ Body Laid In A New Tomb
- Jesus’ Resurrection, The Most Important Event Of Christianity
To receive each new devotional post delivered to your inbox, subscribe below by giving us your first name and email address.
