Public Opinion
(S) Scripture
The Jews insisted, "We have a law, and according to that law he must die, because he claimed to be the Son of God."
When Pilate heard this, he was even more afraid,
John 19:7-8 (NIV)
From then on, Pilate tried to set Jesus free, but the Jews kept shouting, "If you let this man go, you are no friend of Caesar. Anyone who claims to be a king opposes Caesar."
When Pilate heard this, he brought Jesus out and sat down on the judge's seat at a place known as the Stone Pavement (which in Aramaic is Gabbatha).
John 19:12-13 (NIV)
Finally Pilate handed him over to them to be crucified. So the soldiers took charge of Jesus.
John 19:16 (NIV)
Later, Joseph of Arimathea asked Pilate for the body of Jesus. Now Joseph was a disciple of Jesus, but secretly because he feared the Jews. With Pilate's permission, he came and took the body away.
John 19:38 (NIV)
(O) Observation
Pilate was a politician and was controlled by public opinion. Even when he could find no fault in Jesus he gave in to the cries of the public to crucify Jesus. Pilate was more concerned with keeping his job as governor than he was in doing the right thing with Jesus. In the grand scheme of things I wonder if Pilate really had a choice. I am sure he did and also sure that God knew the decision he would make given his personal integrity. Joseph was also afraid of the Jews and therefore was a secret follower of Jesus. The pressure of public opinion kept these men from being the men they knew they should be. IT is interesting to me that Pilate did do some things to get back at the religious leaders: he had Jesus called the king of the Jews in a plaque on the cross and he allowed Joseph to have the body. I wonder if Pilate smiled some at the irritation this caused the Jewish leaders?
(A) Application
When I read about some of the prophets and preachers of the Bible I see their boldness and fearless trust in God. I think about them and then realize how domesticated we preachers today have become. Where are we challenging the hall of justice or injustice? Where are we challenging the governing authorities? We challenge people to live faithful lives but do we call people to radically follow Jesus? I don't think so. We seem to be satisfied with mediocrity and that pains the heart of God. It seems that we are conscious of what the public thinks of us and do not want to appear intolerant or exclusive or "holier than thou" and so we water down the message and call of Christ in the world. We downplay the wrath of God and make forgiveness something God gives to everyone regardless of their faith. Today I will speak the truth without waver and call people to radically follow Jesus. It is time to let Jesus be Jesus rather than some caricature we have created to continue a view of him that is caged and domesticated.
(P) Prayer
Lord, give me the courage to radically follow you. Let me not be swayed by public opinion that would distort your truth. I want to follow You and make You known as you really are. Amen
1 comment:
Did anyone notice that Pilate and Joseph had something in common? Fear that creates inner turmoil and personal struggle? A fear that was created by the greater populace. Pilate feared for his public future and Joseph feared the public pressure of the Jews. Hmm....maybe they weren't really all that different, after all. So we criticize our pubic officials in Washington DC and Lansing because they tend to respond out of political expediency???? Hmmm...maybe we're not all that different, after all. What do you think Pastor? "Bud"
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