“Pilate said to the chief priests and the crowds, ‘I find no guilt in this man.’ But they were urgent, saying, ‘He stirs up the people, teaching throughout all Judea, from Galilee even to this place.’
“When Pilate heard this, he asked whether the man was a Galilean. When he learned that he belonged to Herod’s jurisdiction, he sent him over to Herod, who was in Jerusalem at that time. When Herod saw Jesus, he was very glad, for he had long desired to see him, because he had heard about him, and he was hoping to see some sign done by him… And Herod and Pilate became friends with each other that very day, for before this they had been at enmity with each other.
“Pilate called together the chief priests and rulers.., and said, ‘You brought me this man as one who was misleading the people. After examining him.., I did not find [him] guilty of any of your charges. Neither did Herod, for he sent him back to us. Look, nothing deserving death has been done by him…’
“But they all cried out together, ‘Away with this man, and release to us Barabbas…’ Pilate addressed them once more, desiring to release Jesus, but they kept shouting, ‘Crucify, crucify him!’ A third time he said to them, ‘Why? What evil has he done? I have found in him no guilt deserving death. I will therefore punish and release him.’ But they were urgent, demanding with loud cries that he should be crucified. And their voices prevailed. So Pilate decided that their demand should be granted. He released the man who had been thrown into prison for insurrection and murder, for whom they asked, but he delivered Jesus over to their will.” Luke 23:4-8,12-15,18,20-25
“Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise,
but the companion of fools will suffer harm.” Proverbs 13:20
Pilate didn’t seem to know which crowd was his. With the swagger of pride mixed with weak conviction, relishing and wanting to protect his position as governor, he befriended an enemy, ignored his wife’s brazen warning, succumbed to the boisterous crowd’s insistence against his better judgment, and pretended at innocence in his guilt. His waffling evidenced a heart untethered, swaying to the whims of the loudest voices. He chose placating the fickle crowd over prudence and following his conscience, then declared himself free from culpability. (Matthew 27:19-24)
The crowds we associate with and listen to have great bearing on how we behave and the decisions we make. Even if we think we know what is right and declare it so, the noise and pressure of the world have great persuasion power. It’s vital for our standing firm and making wise choices to align with those of similar biblical convictions. We need to invest in Christian relationships. We must listen to those who speak truth to us, and be willing to do the same. We need to encourage one another to heed what is right and say no to folly.
Where and in what situations do we feel the most pressure to give in against our conscience? What triggers weak resolve? How can we fortify ourselves with strong fellowship and tested promises to prepare for opposition? With whom will we pray and give mutual support? When pulled by the noise of a worldly crowd or wisdom’s call, whom will we follow? (Proverbs 1:20-33)
Lord, fix my heart and mind in what is true and right.
As the rain and snow 