Pilate's Washing of Hands

As we continue to reflect on the sacred Lenten Season in the history of the church when Christians observe a period of praying and fasting, it must be borne in mind that the objective is to draw us closer to God. In Matt 27:24 we are told that "When Pilate saw that he was getting nowhere, but that instead an uproar was starting, he took water and washed his hands in front of the crowd. "I am innocent of this man's blood", he said, "It is your responsibility". 25 All the people answered, "Let his blood be on us and on our children". History really tells us that His blood was indeed on them.

But what is the meaning of this symbolic washing of hands before the crowd. Was Pilate guilty? The traditional Christian view is that Pilate was responsible for the death of Jesus. There are several historic confessions of faith and probably the most popular is the The Apostles Creed which was crafted in the early days of the Church. It categorically affirms that Jesus 'suffered under Pontius Pilate'. Let us briefly examine some revelations from Scripture.

1. Pilate's desire was to satisfy the crowd and not God

Mark 15:15 clearly tells us that "wanting to satisfy the crowd, Pilate released Barabbas to them. He had Jesus flogged, and handed him over to be crucified". John tells us that Pilate tried to free Jesus but the Jews kept shouting, "if you let this man go, you are no friend of Caesar. Anyone who claims to be a king opposes Caesar" (John 19:12). When Pilate heard this, he brought Jesus out and said "here is your king" John 19:14... Finally Pilate handed him over to them to be crucified. What did the Bible tell us about friendship with the world? Luke tells us that Herod and Pilate became friends on that day.

2. Pilate did not ultimately listen to advise

Like most men, Pilate did not listen to wise counsel. Okonkwo's friend, Obierika, warned him 'this boy calls you father; have no hand in his death'. Okonkwo never listened and was actively involved in the killing of Ikemefuna. Julius Caesar's wife advised him not to go to the capitol but the arrogant husband replied "Caesar shall go forth; the things that threatened me ne'er look but on my back; when they shall see the face of Caesar, they are vanished'. Caesar refused to listen to Calpurnia and it was catastrophic. Matthew 19:19 tells us that "While Pilate was sitting on the judge's seat, his wife sent him this message; 'Don't have anything to do with that innocent man, for I have suffered a great deal today in a dream because of him". Pilate did not eventually listen.

3. Pilate did not understand spiritual truth

Jesus answered Pilate in John 18:37, "you are right in saying I am a king. In fact, for this reason was I born and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me. Verse 38 tells us that Pilate asked a question. "What is truth?" It is ironic to observe that someone who acted as Chief Justice did ask this question that revealed his spiritual state. He could not even recognize truth standing in front of him.

As we meditate on the death of Jesus, it is easy to attribute it to everyone: the chief priests, Satan, the crowd, Pilate, Herod, the divine plan of God as revealed in John 3:16, the willingness of Jesus to lay down His and take it up again etc. I would however like us to reflect on the significance of Pilate's act to contemporary Christianity.

1. We're all like Barabbas since we deserved to die, but Jesus took our place. The Bible informs us that Jesus Christ laid His life for us so that we might live. His blood is crying mercy for you and for me. Today, If you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts. It is appointed unto man to die once and after that face judgement.

2. Pilate, the Roman governor, admitted that it was within his arbitrary power to release or to crucify the innocent Christ. In spite of his better judgment, he chose to condemn an innocent man in order to save his own position - a horrible politician. Our politicians must ensure that justice prevails. In the course of history, Pilate's sin has been committed again and again. Hands have been hypocritically washed before crowds.

3. Your strength as an individual is to say 'No' even when the crowd is shouting yes. Youths, don't follow the crowd. Resist peer pressure. Say no to drugs, avoid acts of violence, rape, incest etc.

4. Furthermore, don't follow Jesus in a crowd. This is a very common mistake. Jesus warns against it. Once when He asked his disciples, "Whom do men say that the Son of Man is?" He immediately followed with the question, "But who do you say that I am?" (Matt. 16: 13, 15). We must know him individually and our faith in him, our thinking about him, must be based on Scripture rather than some interpretation of it.

5. We see in this crowd another common human failing or sin. That is the inclination to judge and condemn our neighbour without just cause. How often do we listen to prejudiced reports and then condemn! Jesus cautions us: "Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned" (Luke 6:37).

Finally brethren, I join the apostle Paul in Phil 4:8 to say "whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just; whatsoever things are pure; whatsoever things are lovely; whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things".

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