Matthew 27:11-26
As I read the Easter story with my son this week, I began to reflect on the many decisions we make in life. Some are routine, like choosing between Starbucks or Tim Hortons. While others carry greater weight, like deciding where to live or which career to pursue.
These choices shape our lives, but the Easter story highlights one decision that determines our eternity.
In Matthew 27:22, Pontius Pilate asks a question that echoes through time:
“What shall I do, then, with Jesus who is called the Messiah?”
Pilate asked this question in Jerusalem over 2,000 years ago, but it still echoes today.
As I reflected on the actions of those surrounding Jesus during His final hours, I noticed a range of responses to this question: Peter, gripped by fear, denied Him. The crowd, swayed by influencers, rejected Him. Pilate, intent on preserving his status, tried to wash his hands of Him.
We may recognize a piece of ourselves in these responses but there is hope. After His resurrection, Jesus demonstrated His enduring grace. He restored Peter, who had denied Him and He offers forgiveness and salvation to those who, like the repentant thief on the cross, choose to turn towards Him and put their faith and trust in Him.
This Easter, I urge you to settle this question in your heart: What will you do with Jesus?
He stands ready to meet you with grace, just as He did with Peter and the thief on the cross. Will you let your answer to Pilate’s question mark the beginning of a new journey with Jesus?
