"What Shall I Do With Jesus?"
Pilate had a critical decision to make. Jesus had been arrested and was on “trial” before Pilate, governor of Judea. Having examined Jesus, Pilate stated that he could find no fault in Christ. On the other hand, there was a convicted murderer named Barabbas. One of these two, Jesus or Barabbas, would be set free. Pilate’s dilemma was that he knew Jesus was an innocent man, but he also knew that the religious leaders of that day wanted to destroy Jesus. He did “not” want to put an innocent man to death, but he “did” want to please the people. When the people insisted that Barabbas be released, Pilate raised the question, “What shall I do then with Jesus which is called Christ?” (Matthew 27:22).
This question is one that every person who hears of Jesus will have to answer. No question could be more important because one’s answer to the question will determine one’s eternal destiny.
Some people want to remain neutral concerning Jesus. However, remaining neutral regarding Jesus is not a logical position. It is not tenable because Jesus is the most influential person in the history of the world. More books, songs, and poems have been written about Him than any other. In a relatively short ministry, lasting about three and a half years, He has touched more lives than any other. This extraordinary, life-changing character cannot be simply ignored. One must decide what he or she will do with Jesus.
Many people insist that Jesus was a good moral teacher. Yet, they deny that Jesus is the Son of God. This idea concerning Jesus is seriously flawed. While it may sound “nice” to say that Jesus was a good man, it is not true if Jesus was not a divine being. Think about it. Jesus did not claim to be a “good” man. Jesus claimed to be God in the flesh (John 8:58; 10:30; 14:8-9; 20:28). If His claims were false, then Jesus would be a deceiver, or perhaps a lunatic.
Was He deranged? A mental-case? No, obviously He was not. His teachings are regarded as some of the most profound, insightful, and beneficial teachings of the world. Such teachings do not come from one who is crazy.
Was He a deceiver? Consider that wherever the Gospel is preached and believed, lives are made better. Through Christ, alcoholics overcome addiction, thieves become honest, marriages are made stronger, and nations thrive. Think about all the hospitals that have been built and benevolent acts done in the name of Christ. Are these the fruits of a “deceiver?” I think not.
If Jesus was sane and honest, then His claims to be the Son of God are true! Read the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John in the New Testament. Honestly and carefully examine these accounts of the life of Christ. Only then will one be in a position to make a fair assessment of Jesus’ claim to be the Son of God, a claim verified by an empty tomb (Romans 1:4).
Study Him. Believe Him. Obey Him. Serve Him, and heaven will be your eternal home!
