In The Word
Read: Luke 23:13-25
Pilate Seeks Jesus’ Release
13 Now Pilate summoned to himself the chief priests, the rulers, and the people, 14 and he said to them, “You brought this man to me on the ground that he is inciting the people to revolt; and behold, after examining Him before you, I have found no basis at all in the case of this man for the charges which you are bringing against Him. 15 No, nor has Herod, for he sent Him back to us; and behold, nothing deserving death has been done by Him. 16 Therefore I will punish Him and release Him.”17 [Now he was obligated to release to them at the feast one prisoner.]
18 But they cried out all together, saying, “Away with this man, and release to us Barabbas!” 19 (He was one who had been thrown into prison for a revolt that took place in the city, and for murder.) 20 But Pilate, wanting to release Jesus, addressed them again, 21 but they kept on crying out, saying, “Crucify, crucify Him!” 22 And he said to them a third time, “Why, what has this man done wrong? I have found in His case no grounds for a sentence of death; therefore I will punish Him and release Him.” 23 But they were insistent, with loud voices, demanding that He be crucified. And their voices began to prevail. 24 And so Pilate decided to have their demand carried out. 25 And he released the man for whom they were asking, who had been thrown into prison for a revolt and murder; but he handed Jesus over to their will.
New American Standard Bible (NASB) Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation
Walking In The Word
Yeshua stood before Pilate with the Jewish religious leaders calling for His crucifixion. Pilate was uncomfortable with sentencing Yeshua to death as there found no justifiable cause. But in the end, Pilate gave in to the pressure of the crowd.
The crowd will always push you to do their will. But you should strive to please God, not man, in all you do. The Apostle Paul was a man who faced pressure to please man, but He understood the better way by saying, “For am I now seeking the favor of men, or of God? Or am I striving to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a bond-servant of Christ” (Galatians 1:10). It matters whom you allow to influence you. Is it people focused on the world or God? Realize that even Christians can push people to do something other than God’s perfect will. This is why it is important you know God’s Word for yourself and to look at the fruit in a person’s life to make sure it matches scripture. A true friend is one who is there for you, especially in difficult times, and will encourage you to do what is right in God’s eyes.
Do you find yourself susceptible to going along with people away from the things of God? Make a decision today, with the power of the Holy Spirit, to stand on biblical truth and principals to do what is pleasing to God, not man.