http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%20119:1-3&version=NLT
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matt%205:13&version=NIV1984
Last Sunday I preached on the life of Pontius Pilate. It seems that each year I preach on Jesus’ Triumphal Entry, His crucifixion and His resurrection. But rarely anything else. So I decided to speak on another aspect of Holy Week. The infamous Pilate. The Roman governor who became the poster child for compromise.
Compromise is a one of those subjects that can be either good or bad. Compromise is good when it fosters human understanding. When it helps people find common ground. I don’t think that anyone can have a good marriage without compromise. And the same is probably true of all human relationships. Even countries need to learn the art of compromise in order to peacefully coexist in the world. But compromise also has a dark side. It comes whenever people violate their beliefs or values for expediency. Out of fear of what others may think. Out of pressure to conform to what others want them to do. Or out of self-preservation. "Better them than me", they say.
Not much is known about Pontius Pilate other than he was appointed as prefect (governor) of Judea about 26 AD. It was not exactly a prestigious or highly-sought-after government position. Judea was considered an outpost of the Roman Empire. Far away from the splendor and culture of Rome. And Judea was also known for being a very difficult territory to govern. While other countries might embrace the Roman way of life, the Jews steadfastly clung to their own religion and culture. They had no use for Roman law, Roman ways, or Roman gods. As such, there was a sense of hostility toward the Romans. And open rebellion was never far from the surface. Only the brutality of the Roman legions kept the Jews in check. And Pilate was a man well-fit for the job. He was known for both his brutality and contempt of the Jews.
One day the Sanhedrin (the Jewish governing council) brought a prisoner to Pilate. He didn’t look very intimidating. (Although He had already been roughed up by the temple guards). His name was Jesus. A Galilean carpenter-turned-rabbi and miracle worker. The Sanhedrin made Jesus out to be a very dangerous criminal. Someone who was against paying taxes to Rome. And someone who professed to be a king. These accusations were tailor-made to arouse Pilate’s suspicions. So Pilate questioned Jesus privately and quickly determined that He was no threat. He declared Him innocent. But this was not the verdict that the Sanhedrin wanted. Unfortunately, Pilate was soon to learn that the Jews meant business. They were bound and determined to have Jesus crucified. And though Pilate thought that he was in control, he soon found that he was at the mercy of public opinion. In the end, he compromised. He knowingly sent an innocent man to his death in order to save his own skin. By doing so Pilate became a willing participant in the greatest crime in human history - the death of God’s Son.
Herein is a word to the wise. The compromising of our values, our morals, our integrity always leads to shame. Regret. Disgrace. Not to mention the disapproval and judgment of God. This is why we should seek to avoid it. In tomorrow’s post I will present the dangers of compromise as seen in the life of Pilate and what we can do to avoid following his example.
Lord, every day I am tempted to compromise. In both small and big ways. Help me to be strong to what I know is true. To not give any ground at all. To stay true to You and Your commandments. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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