Matthew 27:22a “Pilate said to them, “What then shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ? They all said to him, ‘Let Him be crucified!’”

Jesus stood bound before Pilate as the angry mob surrounded the governor’s residence. Without a doubt, the ruler sought a peaceful solution in hopes of quickly de-escalating their rage.

Jesus the Christ was innocent of any wrong (Mark 15:10), but that did not seem to matter. Acting like children, the Jews’ hatred of Jesus stemmed from jealousy. So, Pilate resorted to the tactic used by all mothers of toddlers and presented the mob with a choice. He would release one prisoner. Would it be their most notorious criminal, Barabbas? Or would it be Jesus the Christ, the sinless Son of God?

As far as the governor was concerned, he offered a no-brainer choice and Jesus would soon be freed, for why would anyone want to release a murderer to kill again? But the anger of the mob grew volatile and hatred clouded their reasoning. Soon Pilate realized his plan had backfired.

“Release Barabbas!” the people shouted.

Pilate could not believe his ears. In desperation, he responded to the shouts with one final question:

“What then shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ?”

Now friend, here is where this story gets difficult. Truth is, we are called to answer this same question every single day, and it is not always easy to get it right.

When faced with decisions that will place our reputation in jeopardy, what will we do with Jesus? Will we recall His desire for us to be a light in this dark world? Will our light bring Him glory? (Matthew 5:16)

When the actions of others leave us red-faced and retaliation seems oh so sweet, what will we do with Jesus? Will we think of Christ turning the other cheek? (Matthew 5:39)

When our thoughts and desires are consumed with the pleasures of the world, what will we do with Jesus? Will we forget to seek first His kingdom and His righteous before all else? (Matthew 6:33)

When co-workers, church family, or neighbors irritate us to the point of exhaustion, what will we do with Jesus? Didn’t Jesus say to love our enemies and do good to those who take advantage of us? (Matthew 5:44)

Friend, each day will find us faced with, what shall we do with Jesus? Remember, Pilate answered it poorly. The question is, how will we respond?

Father God, may we never fail to look to You in all our decisions.

Blessings,

Rita Cochrane