Mark Chapter 15: Verses 9-10 (NIV-UK)
Do you want me to release to you the king of the Jews?’ asked Pilate,knowing it was out of self-interest that the chief priests had handed Jesus over to him.
Mark Chapter 15 verse 15 (NIV-UK)
Wanting to satisfy the crowd, Pilate released Barabbas to them. He had Jesus flogged, and handed him over to be crucified.
Mark Chapter 15 verse 21(NIV-UK)
A certain man from Cyrene, Simon, the father of Alexander and Rufus, was passing by on his way in from the country, and they forced him to carry the cross.
Pilate was the Governor of Jerusalem. He had the power and authority to act on Ceasar’s behalf. He knew what was in the mind of the chief priests when they handed Jesus over to him and yet he still decided to satisfy the crowd rather than do what he knew was the right thing.
Perhaps that’s why the apostle Paul reminds us that we should pray for those in authority that they too need to do the right thing and not just aim to please the crowd. (1 Timothy 2:1-2) That applies to us all and reminds us that the right decision will not always make us popular. If we know in our heart what the right thing is and then choose to do something else just to please others, or even just for a quiet life, then we find ourselves in the same position as Pilate. We need the strength and guidance of God to do what we know to be right, no matter what anyone else thinks.
Simon was coming into Jerusalem from the country, presumably to worship, when he was forced to carry Jesus’ cross to its place of crucifixion. The soldiers would have given him no choice. Jesus on the other hand had prayed to His Father, “Not my will but Yours be done” and went willingly to the cross on our behalf. Sometimes we too need to do something which we might prefer not to do. However, God always gives us the choice.
Dear Lord,
I pray that I would always choose to do the right thing, no matter what. Thank You that Jesus did that for my sake. I’m grateful that You will give me the strength and courage to do what’s right when I’m tempted to please the crowd. Amen.