Don't Wash Your Hands: The Cost of Neutrality in Pilate's Court
Now we examine a pivotal moment in history, a moment where neutrality became a tragic act of injustice. We look at Pilate, a man caught between truth and expediency, a man who chose to wash his hands rather than stand for righteousness. Let us learn from his failure and understand the grave consequences of choosing neutrality in the face of Christ.
1. Pilate Before the Truth: A King and His Testimony
John 18:37 records, “Then Pilate asked him, ‘Are you a king then?’ Jesus answered, ‘You say that I am a king. For this I was born, and for this I came into the world, that I should testify to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth listens to my voice.’” Jesus, standing before Pilate, declares Himself as King and witness to the truth. Pilate, faced with divine truth, hesitates. He has the opportunity to acknowledge the King, but he falters. Are we, like Pilate, standing before the truth and hesitating?
2. Pilate’s Divided Heart: The Question of Truth
John 18:38a reveals Pilate’s cynical question, “Pilate said to him, ‘What is truth?’” This is not a sincere inquiry, but a rhetorical dismissal. Pilate is not seeking the truth; he is seeking a convenient solution. He represents those who avoid commitment to Christ, those who prefer ambiguity to conviction. Are we, like Pilate, avoiding the truth for the sake of convenience?
3. Pilate Acknowledges Jesus’ Innocence: Fear Over Righteousness
John 18:38b states, “And when he had said this, he went again to the Jews, and said unto them, I find no guilt in him.” Pilate knows Jesus is innocent. He acknowledges it publicly. Yet, he fails to take a firm stand. Fear of man, fear of losing his position, keeps him from pursuing righteousness. How often does fear keep us from doing what is right?
4. The Attempt to Avoid Responsibility: Washing Away Conscience
Matthew 27:24 recounts, “Then Pilate, seeing that he was getting no further, but rather that a tumult was increasing, took water and washed his hands in front of the crowd, saying, ‘I am innocent of the blood of this just man. Consider this.’” Pilate attempts to absolve himself of responsibility, a futile gesture that only highlights his cowardice. We cannot be neutral before Christ. We cannot wash our hands and pretend we have no part in the decision.
5. The Pressure of the Crowd and Pilate’s Weakness: Succumbing to Popular Opinion
Mark 15:11 reveals, “But the chief priests stirred up the crowd to release Barabbas sooner.” Pilate, knowing Jesus’ innocence, succumbs to the pressure of the crowd. He chooses popular opinion over righteous judgment. This reminds us that popular opinion can lead us astray, away from the truth.
6. The Choice Between Jesus and Barabbas: A Personal Decision
Mark 15:12 records, “Then Pilate said to them again, ‘What then do you want me to do with the man you call the King of the Jews?’” Pilate tries to shift the responsibility, forcing the crowd to choose. But the choice is ultimately his. Each person must make their own decision about Christ. We cannot pass the responsibility to others.
7. Pilate’s Cowardice: Pleasing Men over God
Matthew 27:26 states, “Then Pilate released Barabbas to them; and when he had Jesus flogged, he handed him over to be crucified.” Pilate chose to please men rather than uphold justice. His cowardice led to the crucifixion of the innocent Son of God. Fear of rejection can lead to devastating choices.
8. The Manipulation of the Religious: Political Pressure
John 19:12 explains, “From that time on, Pilate sought to release him; but the Jews cried out, saying, If you release this man, you are not Caesar’s friend.” Pilate is under political pressure, manipulated by the religious leaders. When we care more about our position than the truth, we fall into grave error.
9. The Inscription on the Cross: Proclaiming the Truth Despite Himself
John 19:19 tells us, “And Pilate wrote an inscription, and put it on the cross: and the inscription was, JESUS OF NAZARETH, THE KING OF THE JEWS.” Even in his weakness, Pilate unwittingly proclaimed the truth. The truth of Christ cannot be erased, even by those who seek to deny it.
• “Now when the centurion and those with him, who were guarding Jesus, saw the earthquake and the things that happened, they feared greatly, saying, ‘Truly this was the Son of God.’” (Mt. 27:54)
• Their faith surpassed those who had opportunities.
◦ Many saw the miracles and heard His teaching but did not follow.
▪ “Nevertheless even among the rulers many believed in Him, but because of the Pharisees they did not confess Him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue; for they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.” (Jh. 12:42-43)
◦ Some would not believe unless they physically saw or touched the Lord.
▪ “Jesus said to him, ‘Thomas, because you have seen Me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed…but these are written that you might believe that Jesus us the Christ, the Son of God…” (Jh. 20:29, 31)
• Bottom line: We must take advantage of the opportunity to believe God’s word.
10. Pilate and the Biggest Mistake in History: Choosing the Wrong Path
John 19:11 reveals Jesus’s words, “Jesus answered, You would have no power against me unless it were given you from above. But he who handed me over to you has the greater sin.” Pilate had the opportunity to choose the right path, but he chose the wrong one. His decision echoes through history, a stark warning against neutrality. Each of us must decide: will we follow Christ, or will we wash our hands?
- Preaching on Be Angry, and Do Not Sin Ephesians 4:26-27
- Preaching on Willingness To Serve God
- Preaching on Apathy in the Christian life
Conclusion
Pilate’s story is a cautionary tale. We cannot remain neutral in the face of Christ. We must choose. We must stand for truth, even when it is difficult. May we learn from Pilate’s tragic mistake and choose to follow Christ with unwavering conviction. Amen.
