Matthew 27:22 --
What Shall I Do with Jesus?
During a recent read through of the
four Gospels in the New Testament, a phrase I’ve read and heard
possibly hundreds of times in my lifetime grabbed my attention. It’s a
short phrase hidden in the narratives of Jesus’ trial in front of
Pilate prior to His crucifixion. Though the wording varies in each
Gospel account, the basic question Pilate voices is basically this,
“What shall I do with Jesus?”
After his questioning, Pilate
declares that he finds no fault with Jesus. Even though the crowds are
yelling “Crucify him! Crucify him!’ it’s apparent Pilate doesn’t
believe crucifixion is an appropriate sentence for the charges that
have been brought against Jesus. Other than being accused of blasphemy,
nothing Jesus has done or said is deserving of death. Pilate even goes
as far as trying to negotiate with the crowds, asking if they will
accept Jesus’ release as a fulfillment of the Passover feast’s custom
to release a prisoner. The crowd rejects that idea, and through the
encouragement of the chief priests, the people ask for Pilate to
release a murderer by the name of Barabbas, instead.
So, we find Pilate at a crossroad.
He can either push back against the peer pressure and popular opinion
to crucify Jesus, or he can give into them. And, of course, we already
know the rest of the story. Pilate gave in and released Jesus into the
hands of those who wanted him dead.
The reason Pilate’s question, “What
shall I do with Jesus?” affected me so strongly is how relevant that
question is today. In reality, we’re currently living in a world and
society that mirrors that of over 2,000 years ago. During the riots and
marches that took place over many of our cities this past summer, there
were protestors carrying placards calling Jesus a troublemaker and
insinuating that if Jesus should return, He should be killed again.
There were also accusations that Christians and churches should be
destroyed. With that type of attitude filling our social media and
news, it has moved an ancient question to the forefront of our society.
I have friends reading this question
who have never made the decision to place their trust and faith in
Jesus. The reasons for that could vary from person to person, but it’s
possible they’ve had struggles similar to Pilate. On the one hand their
hearts tell them it’s just possible Jesus is who He claims to be, and
they should take steps to embrace that concept. Or, on the other hand,
they have family members, friends or influencers in their lives who are
like the crowds, discouraging them from venturing too far into
“religion”. They raise doubts and voice skepticism as to Jesus’
authenticity. They argue the existence of Jesus is just a folklore, and
He never existed. And, if He did exist, He was just an historical
figure. He certainly didn’t raise from the dead as the Bible states.
If they should ask me the question,
“What shall I do with Jesus?”, I’d tell them to run to Him with open
arms, as fast as they can. I know from personal experience that Jesus
is absolutely who He claims to be. His abundance of love and grace is
life changing, and He will never disappoint.
On the other hand, I also have
friends reading this question who believe they’ve already settled this
question as it relates to their salvation and eternity, and I have no
doubt they have. But perhaps it’s time for them to be reminded of how
Jesus wants them to respond to that question today. He has clearly
taught that we are to “love him with all our heart, all our soul, with
all our might (strength), and with all our mind.”
We’re not told to love him
halfheartedly, or when it’s convenient, or when it doesn’t interfere
with our lifestyle. Per one dictionary’s meaning, the word “all” means
“The whole of one’s energy or interest, ‘giving their all for what they
believed.’”
Perhaps, now would be a good time to
evaluate how we’re succeeding loving Jesus with all our being, as well
as time for each of us to ask ourselves, “Are my words and actions
drawing others toward Christ? Or, am I turning them away? Do my words
and actions back up what I’m doing with Jesus?”
So, regardless of which category you’re in above, whether you’re a
non-believer or a Jesus follower, ask yourself the question, “What
shall I do with Jesus?”
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