2024_08_28 Insight Post- Rusty Coram
This week’s reading- 1 Timothy 6:13, Luke 13:1, Matthew 27:15-26, Luke 23:1-25, John 18:33-40, John 19:1-22
Pilate’s story is a caution to any of us who are in leadership. A faithful leader puts the interests of others before his/her own. That includes the people who work for/with them and the public they serve. Pilate demonstrates what happens when personal interests compete with integrity and honor. He knew Jesus was not guilty of any crime deserving state punishment, especially execution. Pilate liked the significant power he carried in his Rome-appointed position and was eager for more. The Jewish leaders knew this and that a public riot could threaten Pilate’s future. Pilate had a choice – uphold justice and let Jesus go, or cave to the pressure and protect his government job.
“Pilate went outside again and said to the people, “I am going to bring him out to you now but understand clearly that I find him not guilty.” 5 Then Jesus came out wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe. And Pilate said, “Look, here is the man!” 6 When they saw him, the leading priests and Temple guards began shouting, “Crucify him! Crucify him!” “Take him yourselves and crucify him,” Pilate said. “I find him not guilty.”
7 The Jewish leaders replied, “By our law he ought to die because he called himself the Son of God.” 8 When Pilate heard this, he was more frightened than ever.” John 19:4-8 (NLT)
Pilate was afraid because he knew the Jewish leaders would start a major upheaval that would probably cost him his position. He reasoned that by making a statement and washing his hands, he was absolved from his complicity in Jesus’ death. He was wrong. He had the power to enforce justice and fearfully shrank from it. God knew all along that this would happen, that lust for power would lead the Jewish leaders to have Jesus killed, and that Pilate’s craving for his status would lead him to cave.
Leaders need to regularly take stock of their responsibilities and remember to use their influence for the greater good. Having people around who will speak the truth to us is a big help. Pilate’s wife did just that, but his ambition overruled him choosing to be wise and faithful.
Rusty Coram
Senior Pastor