Mark 15:15 And so Pilate, willing to content the people, released Barabbas to them, and delivered Jesus, when he had scourged him… I. WHAT SORT OF MAN WAS PILATE? Probably not worse than many Roman governors; not very unlike Festus, Felix, Gallio, and the rest. 1. Cruel. 2. Determined. 3. Worldly. II. WHAT WAS HE TO DO WITH JESUS? This was his difficulty; this was the rock on which he was stranded. The voice of the nation demanded Christ's death. Insurrection, possibly even war, impended, if the demand was refused. What was to be done? III. PILATE TRIES TO EVADE THE RESPONSIBILITY OF DECIDING. IV. WHY DID NOT PILATE DARE TO REFUSE THE JEWS' DEMAND? 1. He had an evil conscience. 2. By defending Jesus, he would run the risk of earthly loss. 3. He had no fixed belief to support him. V. OBSERVE THE EFFECT OF LIVING HABITUALLY FOR THE PRESENT WORLD. A man of the world, who lives only for the things of time and sense, content if he can satisfy Caesar and the people, has authority given him to deal with the cause of Christ. He cannot make up his mind to take up the cross and follow Him; for he has lived for self alone, and walked only by sight. What will such a man do in time of sudden trial but follow Pontius Pilate. If I must, I must. I see it is wrong. I would give much to escape, but there is no other way open. I must be content to satisfy the people. Jesus of Nazareth, His Church, His kingdom, His interest, His people, I surrender them to your will. (C. H. Waller, M. A.) Parallel Verses KJV: And so Pilate, willing to content the people, released Barabbas unto them, and delivered Jesus, when he had scourged him, to be crucified. |
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