The Ultimate Verdict: What Shall You Do with Jesus Called the Christ?
Introduction
The scene is set in a Roman courtyard. A pagan governor, Pontius Pilate, stands before a restless crowd, caught between political pressure and a haunting realization of the truth. He poses the most significant question in human history:
"What shall I do, then, with Jesus who is called the Christ?" (Matthew 27:22)
This was not merely a legal inquiry or a political maneuver. It was—and remains—the ultimate spiritual question. It was not addressed solely to the Jews of the first century; it is addressed to every human soul across all generations.
Each person must render a verdict. You cannot remain neutral. There is no middle ground. The decision you make concerning Jesus called the Christ is the single most important transaction of your life, for it determines the eternal destiny of your soul. Throughout history, many have made the wrong decision. Today, we examine these choices so that we may make the only one that pleases God.
I. Some Decided to Crucify Him
Matthew 27:22 — "Crucify him!"
The crowd demanded His blood. We might look back with disdain and say, "I would never have shouted that." However, Scripture reveals a sobering doctrinal truth: every time we sin deliberately and persist in rebellion, we align ourselves with that ancient mob.
• Hebrews 6:6 warns of those who "to their loss they are crucifying the Son of God all over again."
• Doctrinal Truth: Persistent, unrepentant sin is a practical rejection of Christ's sacrifice. To choose the path of the world is to join the chorus that cries, "Crucify Him!"
II. Others Decided to Deny Him
The Apostle Peter, under the pressure of fear, denied the Lord three times. Matthew 26:69–75
He claimed, "I don’t know the man!" While we may feel safe from such a blatant betrayal, we deny Him in more subtle ways:
• When we are ashamed of the Gospel in front of our peers.
• When we fail to confess our faith in moments of trial.
• When we live in contradiction to His teachings.
• Titus 1:16 describes those who "claim to know God, but by their actions they deny him."
Doctrinal Principle: Confessing Christ is not merely a verbal exercise; it is a life of consistency. Jesus warned that if we deny Him before men, He will deny us before His Father (Matthew 10:32–33).
III. Others Decided to Reject Him
John 1:11 — "He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him."
Rejection is not always a loud shout; sometimes it is a quiet closing of the heart. It is the refusal to submit to His divine authority.
• John 12:48 tells us that the Word He spoke will act as our judge on the last day.
• Doctrinal Emphasis: To reject Christ is to reject His Word. Rejecting His Word inevitably leads to judgment.
IV. Others Decided to Abandon Him
John 6:66 — "From this time many of his disciples turned back and no longer followed him."
Following Jesus requires endurance. Many begin with enthusiasm but depart when the path becomes narrow or the teaching becomes "hard."
• 2 Peter 2:20–22 explains that it is worse to have known the way of righteousness and turn back than to have never known it at all.
• Doctrinal Principle: Perseverance is the evidence of genuine, saving faith. Abandonment proves the heart was never truly anchored in Him.
V. Others Decided to Postpone Him
When Paul preached to Felix, the governor responded: Acts 24:25 — "That’s enough for now! You may leave. When I find it convenient, I will send for you."
Felix chose the "Tomorrow" option. But "Tomorrow" is a dangerous mirage.
• 2 Corinthians 6:2 declares: "Now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation."
• James 4:13–16 reminds us that our life is but a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.
• Doctrinal Truth: To postpone obedience is to practice disobedience.
VI. Others Decided to Mock Him
From the Roman soldiers to the thieves on the cross, many chose the path of ridicule (Matthew 27:29). Even today, the world scoffs at the "foolishness" of the cross (Acts 17:32).
• Galatians 6:7 is clear: "Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows."
• Doctrinal Principle: God is patient, but He is not a subject for mockery. Justice will eventually meet the scorner.
VII. Others Decided to Sell Him
Judas Iscariot traded the Son of God for thirty pieces of silver (Matthew 26:14–16). Today, people still "sell" Jesus for:
• Passing pleasures and vices.
• Financial gain and worldly ambition.
• The comfort of hidden sins.
• Doctrinal Emphasis: Whenever something else occupies the throne of your heart, you have effectively traded away the Savior.
VIII. The Only Decision That Pleases God
If we are not to crucify, deny, reject, abandon, postpone, mock, or sell Him, what must we do? The Scripture provides the only path to life:
1. Receive Him: Believe in His name and accept His gift (John 1:12).
2. Confess Him: Acknowledge Him as Lord with your mouth and believe in your heart (Romans 10:9).
3. Follow Him: Take up your cross daily (Luke 9:23).
4. Abide in Him: Remain in constant communion with Him (John 15:4).
Central Doctrine: Jesus is the Christ, the promised Messiah, the Son of the living God, and the only Savior of the world. There is no other name under heaven by which we must be saved.
See Also
- 5 Reasons the Church Must Guard Against Internal Dangers
- How to Become a Friend of God
- What to Do If a Church Member Sins?
Conclusion
Pilate thought he was the judge, but he was actually the one on trial. He tried to wash his hands of the decision, but you cannot wash your hands of Jesus. To not decide is to decide. To remain undecided is to remain in rejection.
The question remains: What will YOU do with Jesus called the Christ? Will you receive Him as Lord, or will you let another day pass in the danger of postponement?
