John 19:8-9

Pilate shows forth a different frame of mind as terror gripped his heart upon hearing from the Jews our Lord’s claim to be the Son of God - and rightly so. His weak and ignorant conscience became alarmed as he considered the possibility of this meek and gentle Prisoner before Him to be more than just a common man but rather Deity. Our Lord’s majestic and dignified demeanor must have impacted him leaving him uncomfortable and frightened. Surely Pilate had heard and now remembered the many accounts of Jesus’ ministry - particularly His miracles and astonishing powers over both the sick and the dead.

Upon hearing this fresh charge of blasphemy, Pilate begins to re-question Jesus privately leaving the Jews outside. Yet to his surprise Jesus remains silent giving him no response. This is very striking as prior to this our Lord had spoken freely to Pilate. Jesus’ silence must be understood in the state of Pilate’s soul. Pilate deserved no answers as he had forfeited his right to any further revelations given the light and knowledge he had already shunned rather than embraced. Jesus gave him nothing more. He had been told the nature of our Lord’s kingdom as well as His purpose in coming into the world. He had even publically confessed His innocence yet he chose to treat Jesus with flagrant injustice – scourging Him and allowing the soldiers to treat Him with the vilest indignities and scorn. Sadly for Pilate, his time of opportunity had now passed – the time of God’s favor had slipped through his hands like water and he now stands perplexed, confused and frightened. It matters greatly what one does with what one knows – we are all held accountable for what we have received. Remember our Lord’s Words to us in the Sermon on the Mount:

6 "Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and then turn and tear you to pieces." Matt 7:6 (NIV)

This is not too dissimilar to the example in Parable of the Sower as well. The Word of God is sowed and falls upon a hardened path (hearts) - not prepared to receive the mustard seed of God’s Truth. It is trampled underfoot by the hearer and the “birds of the air” (Satan or his minions) come and snatch it away.

11 “This is the meaning of the parable: The seed is the word of God. 12 Those along the path are the ones who hear, and then the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts, so that they may not believe and be saved.” Luke 8:11-12 (NIV)

Paul also tells us in 2 Corinthians:

1 As God's fellow workers we urge you not to receive God's grace in vain. 2 For he says,
"In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you." I tell you, now is the time of God's favor, now is the day of salvation. 2 Cor 6:1-2 (NIV)

We are given a like warning by the writer of Hebrews – we must seize the opportunity when presented by God – it could be our last if we continue to harden our hearts as Pilate:

7 So, as the Holy Spirit says: "Today, if you hear his voice, 8 do not harden your hearts as you did in the rebellion, during the time of testing in the desert," Heb 3:7-8 (NIV)

12 See to it, brothers, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. Heb 3:12 (NIV)

Pilate chose poorly for himself, for his family. He knew what was right and he did not do it. This serves as a wonderful reminder to us all to make right choices – we effect generations by them.

“That is life. It’s composed of a million choices. And most of those choices seem insignificant, unimportant, unimpressive, and uninteresting. But character is developed when we continue to make the next, right choice. And character creates influence. And influence creates legacy. So if you want to leave an amazing legacy, just keep doing the next right thing. Four generations from now, people probably won’t remember your name. But someone you love will be different because of you.” Laura Black