March 23, 2018
Mark 15:1-15…“So Pilate, wishing to satisfy the crowd, released Barabbas for them; and after flogging Jesus, he handed him over to be crucified.” vs. 15
Pilate has been tough for historians to figure out. Aside from the gospel references, there’s not a lot of information available about his time as governor. What little we have from contemporary sources indicate that he was capricious and cruel in his dealings with the people. In Mark’s gospel he is pictured as sympathetic to Jesus and inclined to release him, but when the chief priests stir up the crowd he accedes to their cries and releases Barabbas instead and turns turning Jesus over to be crucified. While it’s not likely that Pilate was inclined to be a follower of Jesus, his actions are typical of many who hold political power in any age. There is little attention to the merits of particular cases or causes. Everything is measured politically–and the loudest lobbyists get their way. It’s stunning to see how this is acted out in our state and national governments. Little attention is paid to morality or justice…everything is measured politically. Of course there are exceptions, and we can be grateful for those politicians who regularly exhibit integrity. Pilate wasn’t one of those, and when the crunch came he let Jesus down! The chief priests were motivated by misplaced religious convictions. They knew how to manipulate political stooges…and ultimately they got what they wanted.
Thought for the Day: Who are some politicians with integrity?
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