Willing to Engage

Scripture – John 18:37-40: “You are a king, then!” said Pilate. Jesus answered, “You are right in saying I am a king. In fact, for this reason I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.” “What is truth?” Pilate asked. With this he went out again to the Jews and said, “I find no basis for a charge against him. But it is your custom for me to release to you one prisoner at the time of the Passover. Do you want me to release ‘the king of the Jews’?” They shouted back, “No, not him! Give us Barabbas!” Now Barabbas had taken part in a rebellion.

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) Pilate had an opportunity to enter the kingdom of heaven – ushered in by the King Himself. But he chose not to follow that path. Instead, he slipped back into his detached role as Roman governor – looking to maintain peace with the Jews in the easiest way he could. So he let them decide what to do with Jesus. As long as it didn’t hurt Rome, whatever satisfied them was fine with him. How many people live with such a detachment from who Christ is? It’s far easier to ignore Him than to engage in what could be a life-changing conversation. Still I wonder, was Pilate’s question about truth asked of Jesus or of himself? Sometimes the politics of the day cloud what should be simple answers.

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) I will listen for truth today. I will speak truth today. I will work to uncover truth when necessary today.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Lord, that’s a lot easier to write then it is to do. Please give me clear understanding today. Give me a loving and humble heart, along with courage to speak honestly. Thanks.