Tumultus | The crowd

“When Pilate saw that he was getting nowhere, but that instead an uproar was starting, he took water and washed his hands in front of the crowd…” —  Mat 27:24 (NIV)

 

Photo by davide ragusa on Unsplash

Sometimes, to fight for the truth, it will cause you to stand-alone, apart from the crowd, and be at risk. This is what I reflect from the passage today.   

Unfortunately, that was not the case with Pilate the governor. He knew Jesus was innocent. He couldn’t find any crime Jesus committed (v.23). Let alone anything to deserve a death. He had power to free or to crucify Him (John 19:10), but he did not do the right thing. The crowd steered his decision.

Finally he saved himself. He washed his hands in front of the crowd to tell that he had nothing to do with Jesus’ death sentence (v.24). But at the same time he let crime, wickedness and evildoing won. He even had Jesus flogged (tortured) before handed Him over to be crucified (v.26).

Have you got any experience where you stood alone, stood up for the truth? Or are you facing it now? You might change the history with your action. There might be people who depend on your decision. Choose wisely to bring goodness for others and, moreover, glory to God. Choose the truth over the crowd. Even though you will be at risk. May God bless you and help you. 

Reflection on Matthew 27:1-30 by Desire Litaay

(Listen to the Podcast here)