“What Shall I Do Then with Jesus?”

Matthew 27:15-26, John 18:28, 19:22

I: Pilate’s Question Confronts us All.
1. This is the most important question one can be asked.
2. The answer to this question determines our eternal destiny.
3. “He that believeth on him is not condemned, but he that believeth not is condemned already.” Jh. 3:15

II: Pilate was Torn by Many Voices:
1. The voice of his wife. “Have nothing to do with that just man.”
2. The voice of false witnesses: “Many false witnesses came.” Mat. 26:59
3. The voice of Judas. “I have betrayed the innocent blood.” Matt. 27:4
4. The voice of the mob: “Let him be crucified.” Matt 27:22
5. Pilate’s own conscience: “I am innocent of the blood of this just person.” vs. 24
6. The voice of Israel “His blood be on us and on our children.”
7. The voice of Politics: “If thou let this man go, thou are not Caesars friend.”
8. The voice of Religion: “If thou be the son of God, come down.” He saved others, himself he cannot save.
9. The voice of 2 thieves: “Cast the same in his teeth.” vs. 44 1 asked for help and received it.
10. The voice of the Centurion: “Truly this was the Son of God.” vs. 54 (Friends of Barabas).

III: Pilate Tried to Evade the Decision.
1. He was convinced that Jesus was innocent.
2. He tried to pass the decision to Herod.
3. He tried punishment to appease the mob.
4. He tried to release him as a criminal.
5. He sought every way he knew but bowed to political pressure.
6. He washed his hands but found them still dirty.

IV: What Shall I do With Jesus?
1. This is my decision.
2. Many voices will say no.
3. My heart may desire him but my mind refuse.
4. The gang may say leave him alone.
5. In the last analysis, we must answer for our own soul.

Everyone must choose because none can be neutral.