What shall I do then with Jesus which is called the Christ?

“It does make a difference what you believe.”

“What shall I do then with Jesus

which is called the Christ?”

They all say unto him, Let him be crucified.”

Matthew 27:22

Of course, you know that Pontius Pilate was the governor of Judea at the time Jesus was judged worthy of death It was the day He was sentenced to die upon the cross. As Jesus stood before him, he had a decision to make concerning the Lord Jesus Christ. Pilate had a decision to make: “What shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ?”

Just as Jesus stood before Pilate to be judged, there’s coming a time when Pilate will stand before Jesus to be judged. Just as Jesus was held captive in the hands of Pilate so will Pilate be held captive in the hands of Jesus someday. And as Pilate will stand before Jesus, so will you stand before Jesus.

“What shall you do with Jesus who is called the Christ?” It is a present question just not for then but for right now. It is a personal question not just for Pilate but also for you. It is a pertinent question because your eternal destiny hangs on your answer. And it is a pressing question because you cannot avoid answering it. Everyone will answer by accepting Jesus or rejecting Him, confess Him or deny Him, crown Him or crucify Him, Just as Pilate had to answer the question so must you. You cannot be neutral. You must so something with the Lord Jesus Christ.

I. The Voices That Confronted Pilate

Matthew 27:11-23

A. The Voices of the Religious Leaders.

Matthew 27:11-14

11. “And Jesus stood before the governor: and the governor asked him, saying, Art thou the King of the Jews? And Jesus said unto him, ‘Thou sayest.’

12. And when he was accused of the chief priests and elders, he answered nothing.

13. Then said Pilate unto him, Hearest thou not how many things they witness against thee?

14. And he answered him to never a word, insomuch that the governor marveled greatly.

Originally the Sanhedrin wanted Pilate to accept their verdict that Jesus had committed blasphemy because Jesus had claimed to be God and they wanted Him stoned to death. Of course the sovereign Lord was in control and long ago a young Jewish shepherd boy had written, “They pierced my hands and feet.” (Psalm 22:16) and David had never even heard of death by crucifixion! God’s word is perfect in every detail and all prophecy must be fulfilled. So death by crucifixion it would be for Jesus.

The Sanhedrin were in spiritual bondage to the Devil and spiritually blind. They had turned God’s word into a set of rules and they were the umpires dominating over the people. The war of words between the Pharisees and the Sanhedrin against Christ had now reached it’s climax. Now they change their charge against Jesus to, He had claimed to be King. When Pilate asked Jesus if He were indeed the King of the Jews, Jesus simply said, “Thou sayest.”

At first the thought of Jesus being a king was insane. Pilate asked the question so Jesus could deny the charge and be released. But to his shock Jesus acknowledged the truth that He indeed was the King of the Jews. When Jesus did this, it set off a storm of abuse and slander from the religious chief priests and elders.

All religion is of the devil. God instilled in man the desire to worship Him. But Satan goes about creating false gods and false religions to confuse the path to the true God in Heaven. As you can see by these religious rulers that had Jesus put to death, that they appeared and acted holy on the outside but inwardly they were wolves. They had power and no man even Jesus, God in the flesh, would take it from them. Please my friend, choose Jesus over religion!

Religion depends on our BEHAVING

salvation depends on our BELIEVING

“The gift of God is eternal life through

Jesus Christ our Lord.” Romans 6:23

B. The Voice of Reason.

Matthew 27:15-18

15. Now at that feast the governor was wont to release unto the people a prisoner, whom they would.

16. And they had then a notable prisoner, called Barabbas.

17. Therefore when they were gathered together, Pilate said unto them, Whom will ye that I release unto you? Barabbas, or Jesus which is called Christ?

18. For he knew that for envy they had delivered him.”

Now the ball was in Pilates court. He had never been in the presence of such a man as Jesus. His composure and silence in the face of His accusers whose demeaner and wicked words gave them away as they were hounds from hell! Jesus stood battered, whipped, and covered in spit and blood yet Pilate sensed that he was in the presence of a King greater than Caesar. You too must decide is Jesus a liar, a lunatic, or is He Lord?

Pilate knew in his heart that these religious hypocrites had brought Jesus to Him because of their envy. Now he had to decide between a guilty seditious criminal named Barabbas or an innocent Man called the King of the Jews.

C. The Voice of a Loved One.

Matthew 27:19

19. “When he was set down on the on the judgment seat, his wife sent unto him, saying, Have thou nothing to do with that just man: for I have suffered many things this day in a dream because of him.”

God had spoken to Pilate’s wife, and warned her in a dream that he should not condemn Jesus, a just man. If you are a married man then you know some of the best advice comes from your wife. And overall the best advice we all get usually comes from a loved one. Those who love us most. Is there a loved one pleading with you about Jesus?

D. The Voice of His Own Conscience.

Matthew 27:20-23

20. “But the chief priests and elders persuaded the multitude that they should ask Barabbas, and destroy Jesus.

21. The governor answered and said unto them, Whether of the twain will ye that I release unto you? They said, Barabbas.

22. Pilate said unto them, What shall I do then with Jesus? Which is called the Christ? They all say unto him, Let him be crucified.

23. And the governor said, Why, what evil hath he done? But they cried out the more, saying, Let him be crucified.”

How easy the people were persuaded by bullies, the self-righteous Sanhedrin! They were in the crowd demanding the people destroy Jesus. Just the day before as Jesus rode triumphantly into Jerusalem they shouted, “Rejoice greatly, O daughter, of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold thy King cometh unto thee: he is just, and having salvation: lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foil of an ass.” (Zechariah 9:9) One day they praise Jesus as their King, the very next they say let Jesus be crucified. My friend if you are following the crowd that rejects Christ, let me warn you, the crowd is usually dead wrong.

II. The Values That Conformed Pilate

A. Pilate Was Pulled By Public Opinion.

He was at heart a politician and a poll watcher like the ones we have in America. He did what the crowds wanted. The only thing a politician fears is losing the next election. Pilate worried an uprising by the people would not look good to Rome. But worse than Pilates decision was what the Jews did to themselves. They cried release Barabbas and crucify Jesus! They even said, “Let his blood be on us, and our children.” (Matthew 27:25) For almost 2000 years the Jews have drank from the cup of bitterness that they raised to heaven that day. All the way to the gas chambers in World War II.

B. Pilate Was Pressed By His Pride.

Pilate had a huge ego. He loved the pomp of his office. He is like many people today when asked if they know the Lord they respond with “I don’t want Jesus”, “I don’t believe in Jesus, or “No thanks Jesus.” Some will even say, “There is no Jesus” People that have done nothing but be born think in their pride they are self sufficient. All will die and find out as Pilate already has that their pride has caused them to suffer in the lake of fire for all eternity.

C. Pilate Was Passionate About His Power and Possessions.

He had a great job and sure didn’t want to lose it. Whatever buttered his bread determined his conduct. He loved his power, prestige, and possessions. Many Christians have sold out the Lord for a girlfriend or boyfriend, a job, or ignore Him to keep their worldly reputation intact. I have seen so many people take a job on Sunday so they won’t have to serve the Lord at church. The Jews were ashamed of their King that day. Are you ashamed of Him now?

“Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven. But whosoever shall deny me before men, will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven.” Matthew 10:32-33

III. The Verdict That Condemned Pilate

A. Pilate Tried To Ignore Jesus.

“Then said Pilate unto them, Take ye him, and judge him according to your law. The Jews therefore said unto him, it is not lawful for us to put any man to death.” John 18:31

Many people want to ignore Jesus as if there is no God, Bible, cross or judgment. But just as Pilate found out you will find out ignoring Jesus is impossible.

B. Pilate Tried To Shift The Decision.

“And Pilate asked him, saying, Art thou the King of the Jews? And he answered him and said “Thou sayest it.” Then said Pilate to the chief priests and to the people, I find no fault in this man.” Matthew 23:3-4

Sin is personal. No one can take the blame for your sin and you cannot take the blame for someone else’s sin. Trusting Jesus as your Savior is a personal decision that each of us must make—not your father, mother, priest, or pastor.

C. Pilate Tried To Simply Admire Jesus.

“Said unto them, Ye have brought this man unto me, as one that perverteth the people: and behold, I, having examined him before you, have found no fault in this man touching those things whereof ye accuse him.” Luke 23:14

Saying nice things about Jesus, like He was a good teacher or a man of peace will not save your soul. You must bow your knees to Jesus, accept Him and trust Him by faith as your Savior. It is our desire at Bible Baptist Church that you be saved today. Will you call upon Him right now? Pray this prayer from your heart…

Dear Jesus, I know I am a lost sinner. I ask You Jesus to come into my life and make me a new person. I believe that You died for me and the Spirit of God raised You alive from the tomb and You are alive forevermore. I accept You right now as my Savior. Thank You Jesus for saving me. In Your name I pray, Amen.