WHAT WOULD YOU DO WITH JESUS?

Sermon Notes, March 11, 2018

Rev. Ricky Hoosier

            Pastor Garry and Beccy attended the Ministers Retreat in Charlottesville this week, and Ricky Hoosier preached for us.  His message was titled "What Would You Do with Jesus?" based on Matthew 27:11-26, the story of Jesus before Pontius Pilate.  Keep that question in mind as we look at the scripture. 

            Also think about who is on trial here.  Think about Peter's place: he has denied Jesus three times; he weeps.  Think about Judas' place: he has sold out Jesus; then he hangs himself.

            As Pilate stands before Jesus, he is confronted by Christ. (verse 11)  He asks, "Are you the King of the Jews?"  Jesus answers, "You have said."  Pilate is startled by the very presence of Jesus, who makes no reply to the charges the chief priests and elders are making against Him.  

            Pilate was concerned with Christ. (verse 17)  His conscience kicks in; it begins to struggle.  Jesus said nothing except "Yes," and "You said."   Pilate already knows Jesus is the Christ, but he feels like he has to do what the people want. His mind begins to compromise under pressure, like ours does when we are confronted with our sin.  What will you do with Jesus?  

            We can just see the priests and Sadducees working the crowd, persuading the people to say, "Crucify him!"  Pilate's mind is under pressure; he goes with the flow.  Even Pilate's wife is concerned about Jesus. (Verse 19)  She tells him, "Have nothing to do with this good man."

            Pilate was condemned by Christ. (verses 22-23)  Even though he symbolically washed his hands of the guilt of crucifying Jesus, and although the people accepted the blame for it, Pilate released Barabbas and ordered Jesus' crucifixion. There is no neutral ground when we are confronted by Jesus.  If we're not with Him, we are against Him.  Remember Peter, and Judas, and Pilate.

            What will we do with Jesus?  In our conscience sometimes we become silenced.  Let's do what we know we should do; repent, pray, read the Bible, tell others what He has done for us.  Let God reveal things in the scripture we've not known before.