The Crucifixion of Jesus - Disciple Maker Series #26Sample

Handling the pressure to do what is right

Thoughts on the message

Pilate is not a fool. He knows exactly what is happening and why. 

He knows Jesus is not guilty. He knows that the Jews are trying to kill Him because they are afraid of Him and jealous of Him. He knows ... but he still is not able to let Jesus go free.

Ever been unable to do what you know is right? Sometimes it is so hard, that you just cannot do it. This is where Pilate is at. He tries to do find ways to release Jesus. Here, we see that he has a custom of releasing one criminal every Passover. He wants to release Jesus – the people would rather have a murderer set free! The people make a totally foolish decision; they would rather have a murderer free in the city rather than seeing a good man set free.

This is how much people hate what is true and right sometimes.

Prayer

Father, it is hard to do what is right in the midst of hatred. We know, and yet we struggle when people pour out their hatred against what You say is true and right. We see it all around us in this world. I see Jesus just stay quiet in the midst of great anger around Him. He did not defend Himself, try to correct their error or seek to mediate His freedom. He simply spoke truth and trusted You. Father, that is what I want to be able to do. Just speak truth, love broken hurting people and trust Your hand. In the end, it will speak with greater volume than any defense I can have, any words of wisdom or any convincing argument. In Jesus’ name, Amen.