| Photo by Izzie Renee on Unsplash
In Luke 23, we see Jesus’ journey to the Cross. In verses 1-25, we see Jesus standing before Pilate, who could find no reason to crucify Him. But because of peer pressure and others’ approval, he finally gave in to the crowd.
In verses 23-25, “But the mob shouted louder and louder, demanding that Jesus be crucified, and their voices prevailed. So Pilate sentenced Jesus to die as they demanded. As they had requested, he released Barabbas, the man in prison for insurrection and murder. But he turned Jesus over to them to do as they wished.”
How many of us are like Pilate? We want to please people, get their applause and approval, instead of pleasing God? We desire to make people happy and to like us.
That is what Pilate was doing as well. He found nothing wrong in Jesus, but to make people happy, He sentenced Him to death. That is a sign of weakness and a need for approval in his life.
How many of us are the same way in our lives? We want people to be happy and like us. But sadly, that is not going to happen. We need to understand that my role is to live for Jesus and make Him pleased with our lives. I am not responsible for making others happy, applauding me, or even approving of me. My responsibility is to please Jesus!
Can we see Pilate in our own lives? Lord, help me to live to please You and You alone! Help me to love people, even when I cannot make them happy!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Pastor Ronald Squibb has been the International Christian Center (ICC) Lead Senior Pastor at Staten Island, New York, since 2011. He draws on many experiences from his over 40 years as a pastor and from significant emotional experiences.
His new book, Following the Journey with Jesus, which he co-authored with Daniel McNaughton, was recently published and is receiving rave reviews. The daily devotion appears in this publication.
