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Caving In to the Crowd

Then said Pilate to the chief priests and to the people, I find no fault in this man. And they were instant with loud voices, requiring that he might be crucified. And the voices of them and of the chief priests prevailed.  Luke 23: 4, 23

 

The name of Pontius Pilate will be forever linked to the death of Jesus Christ, for it was he, as Roman governor, who gave the final order condemning Jesus to death by crucifixion.

But the name of Pontius Pilate will also stand forever as a prime example of someone who knew what was right--but failed to do it. Repeatedly, he told the mob clamoring for Jesus' death that he found no basis for condemning Him--but in the end, he caved in to the pressures of the crowd and ordered His death. Publicly he washed his hands and told the crowd that they alone were responsible for Jesus' death (Matthew 27:24), but in reality Pilate's cowardice sent Jesus to the cross.

How often do you cave in to the pressures of the crowd, seeking the approval of others instead of the approval of God? We all like to be liked--but that can be a dangerous thing. Make it your goal to live for Christ and be faithful to Him, regardless of what the crowd demands.

From, HOPE for Each Day: Morning & Evening Devotions, by Billy Graham.