The Faces of Easter (week 3: Pilate)
Introduction to The Faces of Easter
As we approach Easter, we are invited to reflect on the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ—a story that has shaped the world and continues to change lives. The narrative involves many people, each with their own role to play, responses to the unfolding events, and a personal encounter with the Savior.
In this five-part devotional series, The Faces of Easter, Pastor Daniel will help us explore the key figures in the Easter story—those who were present during the final days of Jesus’ earthly ministry. From the disciples to the religious leaders, from the betrayer to the faithful, each person’s story holds lessons for us today. Together, we will see how their choices and actions helped shape the narrative of Easter.
Each Wednesday, we’ll focus on a different character, starting with Judas, the one who betrayed Jesus, moving through Peter, who denied Him, and Pilate, who washed his hands of the decision. We’ll then reflect on the faithfulness of Mary Magdalene, the first to witness the resurrection, before concluding with Jesus Himself, whose death and resurrection offer us forgiveness, hope, and new life.
This devotional series seeks to help us prepare our hearts for Easter by reflecting on the people involved in the story and considering how their experiences mirror our own journeys of faith. Whether we’re struggling with doubts, facing difficult decisions, or seeking a deeper and stronger walk with God, we’ll find our stories intertwined with theirs.
As we walk through these Faces of Easter, we’ll discover not only the impact they had on the events of that first Easter, but how they call us to live with greater faith, repentance, and hope in the Savior who changed everything.
Pilate – The Compromiser
Among the many faces of Easter, Pontius Pilate’s is one of power, hesitation, and compromise. As the Roman governor of Judea, Pilate held the authority to decide Jesus’ fate. He had the chance to stand for truth, yet he wavered, ultimately choosing political convenience over justice. Pilate’s story is one of indecision and fear—he saw the truth but failed to act on it. Many of us face moments where we must choose between what is right and what is easy. Pilate reminds us that neutrality is not an option when it comes to Jesus.
"Pilate responded, ‘Then what should I do with Jesus who is called the Messiah?’ They shouted back, ‘Crucify him!’ ‘Why?’ Pilate demanded. ‘What crime has he committed?’ But the mob roared even louder, ‘Crucify him!’"
—Matthew 27:22-23 (NLT)
"So Pilate sent Jesus to be flogged with a lead-tipped whip. The soldiers wove a crown of thorns and put it on his head, and they put a purple robe on him. ‘Hail! King of the Jews!’ they mocked, as they slapped him across the face."
—John 19:1-3 (NLT)
"Then Pilate tried to release him, but the Jewish leaders shouted, ‘If you release this man, you are no ‘friend of Caesar.’ Anyone who declares himself a king is a rebel against Caesar.’ When they said this, Pilate brought Jesus out to them again. Then Pilate sat down on the judgment seat on the platform that is called the Stone Pavement. … Then Pilate turned Jesus over to them to be crucified."
—John 19:12-13,16 (NLT)
Pilate was not a religious leader. He was a Roman official, tasked with keeping peace in Judea. He was known for his harsh rule and cruelty, yet when faced with Jesus, he hesitated. Pilate knew Jesus was innocent. In Matthew 27:19, his wife even warned him, “Leave that innocent man alone. I suffered through a terrible nightmare about him last night.” Pilate himself asked, “What crime has he committed?” (Matthew 27:23). Despite these warnings, he feared the pressure of the crowd.
The religious leaders accused Jesus of claiming to be a king—a dangerous claim under Roman rule. Pilate initially sought a way out. He sent Jesus to be flogged, perhaps hoping that would satisfy the mob. But it didn’t. The people demanded crucifixion. Pilate tried to release Jesus, but when the crowd shouted that doing so would make him an enemy of Caesar, Pilate caved to the political pressure.
In a final symbolic act, Pilate washed his hands, declaring himself innocent of Jesus’ death (Matthew 27:24). But washing his hands could not wash away his responsibility. He made a choice—to hand over an innocent man to be killed—because he feared losing power more than he feared doing wrong.
Pilate’s compromise cost him. History remembers him not as a ruler who upheld justice but as the man who sentenced Jesus to die.
Pilate’s story is a cautionary tale. He was in a position to stand for truth, but he chose the easy way out.
His struggle is not unfamiliar. We, too, face moments where standing for Jesus might cost us something—our reputation, friendships, or status. Like Pilate, we may be tempted to remain neutral, but neutrality is a choice in itself. Jesus calls us to boldly stand for Him, even when the crowd pressures us to conform.
Consider these questions as you reflect on Pilate’s role in the Easter story:
Have there been times when you remained silent about your faith to avoid conflict or rejection?
What pressures make it difficult for you to stand for Jesus in your daily life?
How can you courageously choose Jesus over compromise, even when it’s uncomfortable?
Prayer
Lord Jesus, I don’t want to be like Pilate—afraid, hesitant, and choosing what is easy over what is right. Give me the strength to stand for You, even when it costs me something. Help me to recognize the moments when I am tempted to compromise and give me the courage to trust You instead. May my choices reflect my love for You, not my fear of others. In Your name, Amen.
Pilate teaches us that avoiding a decision about Jesus is, in itself, a decision. As we journey through this Easter season, may we be people who choose truth over fear and faith over compromise.
