Every day we face new choices in life
By JOE MILLER JR. Pastor FUMC Newton

Joe Miller

John 18:33-38a

When Jesus is brought before Pontius Pilate, the first thing that Pilate asks is, "Are you the King of the Jews?" This question appears in all four gospel accounts; Luke, Matthew, Mark, and John.

However, the fourth gospel gives us a bit different detail on Jesus' encounter with Pilate. Jesus asks him where he got his information.

"Do you ask this on your own, or did others tell you about me?" Now this response may seem a bit odd. Why does Jesus care what the source of this question is?

There are at least two possibilities. First, this is the very first time that the title has been applied to Jesus in the gospel of John, and Jesus could have been surprised by the question.

I do not think that this particular explanation has much validity because the Johannine Jesus is in complete control of his destiny and knows everything that is going to happen ahead of time. He is not really surprised.

However, there is the possibility that God has revealed to Pilate who Jesus really is. After all, if the King of Kings was standing before you, do you think that you might recognize him without being told by others?

All people who meet Jesus face to face have the option of accepting him and becoming a disciple. So it is not far Jesus against his enemies.

Of course, by Pilate's surly answer, it is obvious that nothing has been divinely revealed to him; he only knows what Jesus' enemies have told him.

It would seem that Pilate is a lost cause. However, instead of condemning Jesus to death instantly he does shuttle back forth between Jesus and his enemies who are waiting outside.

He talks with Jesus and then argues Jesus' case with the enemies. Perhaps Pilate will see the divinity in Jesus and take his side. There does appear to be some reluctance on his part to give in to the cries for crucifixion.

Alas, we know the rest of the story, and Pilate eventually casts his lot with the enemies. So much for Pilate; he is ancient history even though he was part of the divine plan of God.

In much the same way, we also shuttle back and forth between Jesus and the pressure to give in to the call of the evil ways of this world. The world today is very different than the world Jesus lived in as a man, but it is identical in at least one way.

We are surrounded by the ways of this world that are the enemies of Jesus and everything he taught us.

Just like Pilate, we face daily decisions to take Jesus' side or the side of his enemies. We are drawn to the King of Kings and want to follow him. Yet, the pressures of the world tend to pull us away in so many ways.

Each day we confront an internal battle within our souls just as Pilate did. Of course, Pilate chose the wrong way. Today, and each and every day, which way will we choose? Email me at newtonumc@ valornet.com with your thoughts.