But they
kept urgently demanding with loud shouts that he should be crucified; and their
voices prevailed. Luke 23.23
Luke records
that Pilate presented to the mob three
times that Jesus had done nothing deserving of the death penalty. But each
time they clamoured for Him to be crucified. And the demand grew more urgent and
insistent with each repetition.
Then we read
these four words of finality: and their voices prevailed.
Pilate was a
powerful figure. Maybe he wouldn’t have been swayed as he was if he had been in
a lesser position of power. The more power and authority a person has, the more
is at risk; one becomes more vulnerable and the more one is likely to
compromise.
From this reading
of Luke, and the reminder that Pilate attempted three times to clear Jesus, I
am saddened that he was unable to stand with his conscience. I wonder how he
fared after the event. Did his conscience trouble him? Quite likely it did!
I pray I may never
even have to contemplate compromising my position concerning Jesus. I think I
know myself well enough to realise that I would find it extremely difficult, if
not impossible, to live with the effect of compromise. I may be fortunate that
I am not in the position of power and influence that Pilate held, yet I need to
be careful. I look to stay as true to my faith as I can. Even then, I know I
need His help.
Lord God, Loving Companion,
I want to be true to my faith at all times. I
know I need strength for this, and that strength can only come from You.
I ask You, then, to strengthen me in You, and
to be with me in my journey of faith.
Amen.
My book “God Talk” is available through major
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(Search: Peter Francis - "God Talk").
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