Crucify Him! It is easy to get a crowd going. Most people will go along with whatever the mass is doing. They don’t want to be left out. The Pharisees were able to gather a lynch mob and yell what they wanted. What do you do when the crowd is against you? We do exactly what Jesus did, forgive them
Luke 23:20-21, 34
Wanting to release Jesus, Pilate appealed to them again. But they kept shouting, “Crucify him! Crucify him!” … Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided up his clothes by casting lots.
Ignoring Good Counsel
Pilate didn’t want to crucify Jesus. He found no fault in him. His wife warned him, because of a dream, not to have anything to do with Him. Still, he caved and ordered for it to be done. This shows us that even with the best counsel and evidence leaders can follow the desires of the crowd. They yelled “crucify him,” and he didn’t want to go against them. Leadership means doing the right thing even if the “crowd” disagrees. Pilate had a role to play and he fulfilled it perfectly but we can learn from his mistakes. When the crowd yells we need to stand our ground.
Choose Forgiveness
Look at Jesus’ response to those who wanted him crucified; “Father forgive them.” That’s pretty incredible considering what Jesus had been put through by these people. For a man who could call legions of angels to his protection, he chose forgiveness. Jesus focused on what His Father had called Him to accomplish. It wasn’t about these people inflicting pain upon Him; it was about Him defeating death. He was there to bridge the gap that only He could. He paid the debt that we couldn’t so that we can be reunited with His Father.