(via Lenten Meditations – 5 April – The Final Condemnation to Death)

+1. Pilate tries first one plan, then another, to avoid passing a sentence which he knew to be unjust. One plan after another fails and now, he is brought face-to-face with a choice on which the salvation of his soul may well depend. It was the turning-point in his life: the grace of God urging him on one side and, on the other, fear of man. . So, in the life of each, there is some turning-point, some occasion, when the choice made, will decide his future, both in life and in eternity. Unhappy those who, in such a moment, choose as Pilate chose!

+2. The motive which led Pilate to condemn Jesus, was the fear of man. He did not dare to face the consequences of doing his duty. He trembled before the opinion of others and the dread of losing his worldly position and honour To how many has the same motive been a cause of eternal loss! Is it not one before which I have sometimes quailed, loving honour from men and failing in what I knew was the Will of God, from a desire to please others?