Costly Inaction - Pontius Pilate

Pilate saw that he wasn’t getting anywhere and that a riot was developing. So he sent for a bowl of water and washed his hands before the crowd, saying, “I am innocent of this man’s blood. The responsibility is yours!”

Matthew 27:24

Imagine having to decide between various alternatives that would all be costly to you. Would you choose the least costly alternative, do what your conscience told you was right, or wait and allow the situation to sort itself out (in other words, do nothing and let the chips fall where they may)?

Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor of Judea during the time of Christ, was in this situation. Standing before him was Jesus, accused of capital crimes but guilty of nothing except offending the sensibilities of some Jewish religious leaders.

Pilate had never been a friend of the Jews, but despite his low or nonexistent religious convictions, he saw something special about Jesus.

He also recognized Jesus’ innocence.

Pilate wanted to let Jesus go. He pleaded repeatedly with the Jewish leaders to relent in their demands that he be crucified, only to hear some not-so-subtle threats about his standing with Caesar.

Pilate knew the right thing to do, but rather than make an unpopular decision, he caved in. He decided by choosing not to decide.

Pilate stood before those who wanted Jesus dead and symbolically washed his hands of responsibility for what would happen to Jesus. Then Pilate sent him away to die.

Though Pilate seemed to understand that Jesus was no ordinary man, his passivity in the face of popular opinion relegated his name as a joke and a curse in history.

That’s a legacy that no man can wash from his hands.

Sometimes you may have to make unpopular decisions and take unpopular stands, even in your own home. You demonstrate your courage and convictions when you assume responsibility and do what is right, even when that is risky.