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The Test

The Test
Words of Faith 3-21-17
Dr. Jeffrey D. Hoy © 2017
Jeff.Hoy@faithfellowshipweb.com
Faith Fellowship Church - Melbourne, FL
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John 19
[12] 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."
[13] 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). [14] It was the day of Preparation of Passover Week, about the sixth hour.
"Here is your king," Pilate said to the Jews.
[15] But they shouted, "Take him away! Take him away! Crucify him!"
"Shall I crucify your king?" Pilate asked.
"We have no king but Caesar," the chief priests answered.
[16] Finally Pilate handed him over to them to be crucified.

Some have read this passage and taken a sympathetic view toward Pilate. After all, Pilate tried to set Jesus free but the Jews would not let him. Should we take such a view? We must be careful here.
First we must realize that “the Jews” that John was describing were a handful of leaders, priests, and Sadducees, not an entire nation or people. John has said this repeatedly. It was not “the Jews” that killed Jesus, it was a few Jews. Was there a referendum vote among the million or so in the city for the Passover? Of course not.
Jesus made it clear that only one was really responsible for this farce called a trial. "… the one who handed me over to you is guilty of a greater sin" (19:11b). This would have to be Annas the high priest.
We should also realize that Pilate was not ultimately responsible for the death of Jesus, God was. Jesus said, "You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above” (19:11a). God was watching over every step and had a plan of atoning redemption in mind.
But make no mistake about it, Pilate failed test after test. How could “the Jews” have forced Pilate to do anything? They had no such power. In the final analysis, Pilate was a coward. He failed to take a stand even when his conscience was telling him this whole thing was wrong. He acted according to political expedience rather than principles of justice. He took the easy way and handed Jesus over to be crucified.
But didn’t Jesus have to die? Yes, and He would have no matter what. Had Pilate done the “right thing” surely another course of events would have brought about the painful execution of Jesus on the cross.
Here is the point. Even when prophecy is being fulfilled, we are not puppets in terms of the moral decisions we make and consequences we bring upon ourselves. Pilate failed every test of leadership. Pilate failed every moral test of humanity. We must learn from him.
At various points in history, humans find themselves in the place of Pilate. We are faced with decisions that weigh justice against political expedience. There is almost always an easy way and a hard way. We can blame others and make excuses but fundamentally we are responsible for the “power” that has been entrusted to us to make a decision (19:11).
The questions are far-reaching and profound. Will we do what is right when there is pressure to do otherwise? Will we stand up for those who are powerless when the powerful are breathing down our necks? Will we choose on the side of those falsely accused? Will we make the costly decision because it is right? Will we pass the test?

Lord, give me the wisdom and strength to do what is right. When You entrust to me a decision that effects others, give me Your heart and mercy. Give me Your justice and wisdom. Keep me from caving-in to the powers and influence of the world.