Wanting to gratify the people

“And so Pilate, willing to content the people, released Barabbas unto them, and delivered Jesus, when he had scourged him, to be crucified.” - Mark 15v15

Poor old Pilate was in a fix. In his heart of hearts He knew that Jesus was innocent. He knew that the charges were baseless. Outside the crowd was screaming, “Crucify Him, crucify Him.” He knew his career was in jeopardy. He surely wanted a transfer from this dirty little assignment in Judea. What does a man do? Does He do right, or does he succumb to pressure from the crowds around Him?

We all know what Pilate did – he released Barabbas and sentenced Jesus. He did his part. The crowds probably did not love him after this, but there were content with His decision.

Although the consequences may not be as clear for history to see we all face decisions like Pilate had to make. We may be at an office party, a barbecue, a school dressing room, any number of places where the crowd around us are not saved. They are acting the way a person act and soon something happens which we know we cannot take part in. They are encouraging is to take part. We have a choice, do we do right, or do we act to please the crowd? The pressure of the crowd can seem so severe that we think we just can’t take it.

Pilate gave in. What will we do when the pressure gets severe?