By Kevin Harris, pastor of the Illawarra Community Baptist Church in Wollongong, NSW
…I find in him no fault at all.
John 18:38
…I find no fault in him.
John 19:4
…I find no fault in him.
John 19:6
Three times Pontius Pilate proclaims his personal belief that the Lord Jesus Christ was without fault. That our Saviour should be condemned by a man who publicly proclaimed the Lord’s innocence stands witness to the wisdom of God. He made it a matter of public record that the Lord Jesus was without sin.
Why would a man in public office, whose job description included the defending of innocents, violate that public trust?
Reading the account of the crucifixion can only lead us to conclude that Pilate feared man. His job was on the line. He was under extreme pressure from the manipulative leaders, and he simply caved in.
Before we rail on another corrupt government official, we should look inward to see if this sin lurks within our hearts.
The truth is, a great many sins are committed because we fear man. How many have started down a path of drunkenness or pornography because of peer pressure? Vulgarity is uttered because it helps a man to fit in. Lies are told at the workplace because it helps an office worker fit in. Like Peter denied Christ to save his skin, so we may struggle to speak up for Jesus Christ to save ourselves from embarrassment. That too is a fear of man.
‘The fear of man bringeth a snare’ (Proverbs 29:25). A snare is a noose or trap. Pressure from those around us has a very powerful effect on our behaviour. When we are more afraid of people than God, we will get caught up in grave sin. It was true of Pilate. It was true of Peter. It’s true of each one of us. We do things we never thought we’d do when we care more about somebody’s opinion of us than we do the Lord’s opinion of us.
What is the solution? Is there any hope for us?
Amidst it all, our Saviour said to Pilate, ‘for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth’ (John 18:37). Truth meant more to Him than popularity. Truth is reality as God defines it. Telling the truth, not saving His life, was vital to Christ.
This alone will save us from fearing man.
Father, thank You for the example of my Saviour. Help me to value truth as You define it. I die afresh to people’s favour, and ask that instead I will seek to please You above all others. Keep me fearing You. I ask this in the Name of the Lord Jesus, Amen.
This article was written by Kevin Harris Dapto pastor of Illawarra Community Baptist Church.