Favorite choices

Those who brought Jesus to trial originally wanted him sentenced to death on the charge of blasphemy. Pilate couldn’t see the death penalty as a fitting punishment for such a charge. So the local authorities kept coming up with other things to charge him with: Jesus is a troublemaker; Jesus is against paying taxes. Pilate appears unimpressed. Then the locals said, “He claims to be a king!”

That appears to have gotten Pilate’s attention. Being blasphemous or a troublemaker or a tax rebel weren’t worth the death penalty, but treason? Here was a charge he could use to placate the local authorities and get them out of his hair. They were finally going to get their way.

Getting our way is something we like to do as well. And when faced with a decision where one of the choices is something we really want, how often will we come up with reason after reason to choose our favourite, regardless of the outcome?

With a bit of pestering, Pilate fell for the trap of choosing the easiest way out. While he played an important part in the sacrificial role of Jesus, we should question whether his example is the best for us to follow.

O Lord of wisdom, be with me in making choices in life. Let me always seek your choice for me above my own. Amen. — LGR