Encounters with Jesus : Pilate

07.08.2021

Saturday August 7, 2021

Pilate took some water, washed his hands in the presence of the crowd, and said : I am innocent of the blood of this righteous. It’s up to you. Matthew 27:24

"But no, Pilate, you are not innocent. Three times, in public, you have admitted that you found no reason to condemn Jesus (John 18.38 ; 19.4 and 6). Despite this, you preferred to give in to the pressure of the crowd and the Jewish leaders who demanded his death. Why did you do this ? Were you afraid of the consequences of a bad report sent to Rome about you ? It is true that the Jews do not hold you in high esteem ; far from it, because you were so cruel to them (Luke 13.1).

But behold, you, King Herod and the leaders of the Jews, have joined forces against the Lord and against his Christ (Acts of the Apostles 4.25-28). And don't say you are not responsible since it was all in God's plan ! You have chosen to deliver Jesus to death knowing that he is innocent.

Your name will therefore forever be associated with cowardice. Is there hope for you ? Yes ! In his grace, God forgives even the most guilty who sincerely repent and turn to him through Jesus Christ. You gave him up to death, but he became Lord and Savior of all who believe in him. Think about it, in your distant Gaul... (recalled to Rome, Pilate would have been sent to Vienna, near Lyon.)”

Allan Kitt

__________________

Proposed reading : Gospel according to Matthew, chapter 27, verses 11 to 26.

Source (Live Today)