WHO AND HOW WILL YOU CHOOSE?
- Key Verse
- "Whom do you want me to release for you? Barabbas, or Jesus who is called Christ?" (Matthew 27:17)
READ TODAY'S PASSAGE-
READ THE CHAPTER
Central Truth
For a leader who was supposed to bring justice, Pilate proved to be more concerned about power and popularity than doing justice. He allowed the pressure of the world to dictate how he would lead. Although he ceremoniously washed his hands, he is accountable for the choice he made.
Reflections
This passage can teach us quite a bit from the crowd's point of view, but I was really convicted about Pilate's position in the story. Pilate had a dilemma in choosing among what would bring him power, what was popular with the crowd, and what convictions he had in his heart. He had several opportunities to make the right decision. His conscience told him Jesus was innocent, and Roman law stated an innocent man should not be put to death. And even his wife had a nightmare that caused her to ask him to let Jesus go. Pilate had no good excuse to condemn Jesus, but he was too concerned with those in the crowd and how his decision might impact his position.In contrast, Jesus chose to surrender the use of His power in keeping with the will of His Father. He didn't need to defend Himself. He actively led with courage and confidence in who He is by boldly submitting to the Father and quietly surrendering His life—all the way to the cross.
How often have I chosen my way to gain the approval of others, success, and positions of leadership? Too often, I humbly admit. Left on my own, I am like Pilate. But through Jesus Christ and because of Jesus Christ, I pray I'm learning to lead like Him. Because of His love, His grace, and His sacrifice, I am compelled to surrender with confidence in a sovereign and good God.
We are faced with choices every day. The most important decision we make every morning is who will I choose? I'm convinced that decision will dictate how I will choose throughout the day. I find when I choose to let the Spirit lead, I experience freedom, intimacy, and confidence.
May we spur one another to choose Christ. To lead like Him. To love like Him.
Discussion Questions
1. How do you react to conflicting pressures from different sources? If you had been in Pilate's shoes, what would you have done?2. Who in this story best reflects the way you respond to the radical claims of Jesus Christ?
3. Think back to a time when you agonized over a major decision? How did you finally make your decision?
4. When, if ever, have you been caught up in the enthusiasm of a crowd and done what you would have preferred not to do?
5. How can you effectively be your own person?
FAMILY DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. Did Pilate think Jesus was guilty?
2. Why did Pilate turn Jesus over to the crowd's demands? Why do you think he gave in to the crowd?
3. Do you stand up for what is right even when other people are against you?
Comments
The views expressed under “Comments” are solely
those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Watermark Community Church.
Jan Hankinson
April 20, 2010 08:11 AM
Jennifer, Great devo this morning! You are right - Who we choose affects everything about our day. May I continually be reminded of that all day today! Glad to see you are at Watermark now...Thank you Father! What a journey!!
Kirk
April 20, 2010 08:14 AM
Great job on the devo this morning. Im shocked that Cinderella had such a good handle on the scriptures. Is this the same Rindercella who slopped her dripper, which is how the prince figured out who danced at Disney?
cheryl Todd
April 20, 2010 08:35 AM
thanks for your insights, something I had not considered regarding Pilate. I'm afraid I'll have to steal it to use in small group wednesday morning! ha!
Robin Howard
April 20, 2010 08:37 AM
Great Devo, Jennifer. I loved the way you reminded me to be about the Lord's business and pleasing Him and not the "crowd" Thanks for sharing!
Stacie Rodriguez
April 20, 2010 09:16 AM
Good stuff Jennifer Pellow! What a great reminder on how to start my day and depend on the Spirit so that the influence of the world does not influence my decisions. You are a blessing dear friend.
SCott Coy
April 20, 2010 10:01 AM
Great word this morning JP. Did these inspirations come from a mountain top in Africa or the quiet office at Watermark? Great contrast of power and its quest and use. Though I will never admit it, I too can act like Pilate. May we both be delieverd from that pull.
Marni
April 20, 2010 10:17 AM
I hadn't really ever thought about Pilate's error in this passage. I guess he tends to look pretty good when compared with the blind, blood thirsty Jews! But I totally see what you're saying now - Pilate held a position of great power, but what did he do when it came to making this very important judicial decision? - he asked the people what THEY thought he should do! Thank you for this reminder to stand up for truth and justice in the face of opposition. Oh...and I think you were Cinderella :) Which would mean I've known a Cinderella from Disneyworld and Disneyland!
Susan Coy
April 20, 2010 10:56 AM
Love your insights JP...love even more how your life reflects them. Glad we now have a female JP on staff just to balance things out :)
Liz
April 20, 2010 12:52 PM
JP, That picture sure looks familiar : ) Hey, thanks for encouraging words of Truth!
meredith Hall
April 20, 2010 01:19 PM
I'm going to say Cinderella. But that was probably quite obvious. Thank you for blessing me today with your insight into God's Word and challenging me to put myself aside and let God be my One and Only. The one I want to let lead my decisions in all circumstances.
Bart Johnston
April 21, 2010 12:53 PM
Jennifer Great job in reminding me to be less concerned about what others think...and stand up to do the right thing! Have a great day!