We all want to be liked! We want the admiration of those around us. We want people to want to spend time with us. We want them to speak well of us. We will go to amazing lengths to please people.
But it comes with a price. And sometimes that price is very high!
Reading Luke 23 we find Jesus has been arrested and brought before Pilate for trial. Well, kind of a trial anyway. Apparently Jesus was understood to consider himself the king of the Jews and the very Messiah they were waiting for. So the Jewish leaders wanted Jesus executed.
Pilate questioned Jesus and found absolutely no reason for punishment, never mind the death sentence. But, for the sake of the crowds he was willing to have Jesus beaten and then released. When he found out that Jesus was from Herod's territory he found a loophole where he would not have to execute an innocent man.
Herod wanted some sport with Jesus, but when Jesus would not cooperate, Herod sent Jesus back to Pilate - mockingly dressed in a king's robe. Now Pilate could not escape. He had a decision to make.
By treating Jesus with mocking contempt he became friends with Herod. Pilate was pleased. Now he had another decision to make. Do what was just and right, or do what the crowd wanted. He chose the crowd.
The strange thing is that frequently we have a choice to make as well. Will we do the right thing or will we do what people around us are clamouring for us to do? Even as pastor, I frequently have to make a decision - will I do what may still critical voices? Or will I do what God has called me to do? Will I please people or will I do the right thing?
I bet we all have to make those choices.
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