Pilate’s Fear
One more thought today about how, when Jesus stands on trial, we sometimes judge Him wrongly. Pilate actually saw the truth in Him, but rejected it.
Maybe like Pilate we're scared of the crowds. Maybe we want the crowds' approval, so we compromise!
If I stop swearing, they'll think I've gone soft!!
If I stop gossiping, they'll think I'm being "holier-than-thou"…
If I see God's call for purity and change my lifestyle, the people will laugh. They'll say "you believe that stuff?"
Living for the Crowd Instead of Christ
I see this with people who struggle with their sexuality, particularly. The world puts such pressure on you to embrace that side of yourself and make it the centre of your identity that you become convinced that this is the norm. Then when you hear someone say that the Jesus way is to deny those parts of you that dishonour God, and that He will give you grace to do it, you can't believe it, because that's not what the crowd around you says!
So you compromise. I'll keep this part of my life going, because the crowds demand it… and God will surely understand and forgive me.
But it's not just sexuality. Maybe you refuse to forgive somebody who's hurt you. Maybe you refuse to see value in people of a different race to you and generalise in your judgement of such people. Maybe you lie to make yourself look better in a story. Maybe you treat people with aggression instead of compassion.
The world is full of Pilates who see the right way, see the Jesus way… and go the other way because it's easier and it feels right! This is dangerous indeed.
God's Grace Is Greater Than Our Compromise
Yes, I believe God is willing to forgive us these things if we repent of them. For those who have embraced Jesus, and see His death on the cross as their only means of forgiveness… there is a washing away of our stains when we ask in faith. You don't need to live in shame today - you can be forgiven of anything through faith in Jesus.
But I also believe that sin will keep hurting us (and others) if we keep living in it. Compromising will lead us down bad paths. Compromising and doing godless things even though we know Jesus will cause damage to our lives, to our relationships, to our faith.
Jesus would plead with people: I love you so, and God offers you grace. Please stop compromising and causing damage to yourself and others!
So I plead with you today: don't be a Pilate! If you've seen Jesus as innocent and wonderful and worthy, live like it!
Because honouring Him means way more than bending to the crowds, or to your own desires.
How will you judge Jesus? Like a mocking guard? Like a stubborn Sanhedrin? Like the fearful and compromising Pilate?
Or like the one who saw Him crucified and said surely this was the Son of God?
I pray that you judge wisely.
Like Pilate, many of us see the truth about Jesus but fear the crowd more than we love Christ. Ask yourself today: are you compromising the Jesus way because of what others might think?