Hands of Self Preservation - Preview
When Pilate saw that he was accomplishing nothing and that instead it was turning into a riot, he took water, washed his hands in front of the crowd, and said, “I am innocent of this righteous man’s blood. It is your responsibility.” (Matthew 27:24)
Pontus Pilate was put in a tough position. He was convinced that Jesus was innocent but if he went with his gut feeling, he would have to deal with a riot from the crowds. And Pilate had tried everything he could think of to this point to release Jesus. He did not want to have Jesus crucified. And Pilate was an unbeliever.
Eventually, Pilate picked his own career and his own life over setting Jesus free. He claimed to wash his hands of the responsibility for Jesus’ crucifixion, and yet history still holds him accountable. We still confess that Jesus was crucified under Pontus Pilate. But Pilate had a bit of an excuse: He did not believe that Jesus was the true Son of God because he did not know God.
We, on the other hand, like the crowd, know God. We believe that Jesus is the true Son of God. And yet our sins caused Jesus to stand before Pilate and be condemned to death. Jesus did not try to defend himself or use his divine power to save himself because this was exactly how it had to happen. This was God’s plan for our salvation. So when we have the opportunity to share this news with others or to defend our faith to those who mock us, let us not be like Pilate and look out for our own interests first. Let us stand up for the truth in the face of persecution and suffering. Let us not be guilty of having hands of self-preservation. Let us show others what God’s love for us looks like. Amen.
The song for today is “My Song Is Love Unknown” performed by the Martin Luther College Women’s Choir