Today’s scripture is one of the most serious texts in the Bible. It speaks of the eternal decision that faces each one of us. It is not eternal because I have plenty of time to make it but because it determines my eternal destiny. Like a magnifying glass that can focus sunlight, this text focuses our attention on an inescapable decision.
15 Now at the feast, the governor was accustomed to release for the crowd any one prisoner whom they wanted. 16 And they had then a notorious prisoner called Barabbas. 17 So when they had gathered, Pilate said to them, “Whom do you want me to release for you: Barabbas, or Jesus who is called Christ?” 18 For he knew that it was out of envy that they had delivered him up. 19 Besides, while he was sitting on the judgment seat, his wife sent word to him, “Have nothing to do with that righteous man, for I have suffered much because of him today in a dream.” 20 Now the chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowd to ask for Barabbas and destroy Jesus. 21 The governor again said to them, “Which of the two do you want me to release for you?” And they said, “Barabbas.” 22 Pilate said to them, “Then what shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ?”They all said, “Let him be crucified!” Mathew 27:15-22
There is another text mentioned in the context of our scripture text. In verse 17 the crowd was called upon to make that decision. There is much that could be preached at this point about the price our society pays for the decisions we have made to choose something other than Christ.
In the final analysis, my personal decision is the most important thing. My life may be affected by a public decision, but my eternal destiny is affected by my personal decision. Since this is such a critical area, we look at the greatest decision we ever make.
There Are Many Options Available to Us in Life
There are decisions on matters of personal relationships. What kind of person am I going to be? My personality can be trained. What will I do with my life? The choice is mine. Who will be my life companion? All of us want happy homes. These and other decisions are important but only affect this life.
The decision I make concerning my relationship with Jesus is crucial. It will have a definite effect on everything I do in this life. Of greater importance, it determines my eternal destiny. I can make adjustments for failure in this life. I cannot adjust eternity.
This Is a Personal Decision to Be Made
Pilate was asking for advice in his personal decision (v. 22). He asked the wrong crowd. He did not need their advice. As a Roman ruler, he could do whatever he chose. He was looking for an excuse to make a bad decision.
Today, many people try to escape taking personal responsibility for decisions. Some blame their bad decisions on their background. Some blame the social circumstances in which they live. Some try to blame their failure on the influence of others.
The real issue is, “What will I do with Jesus?”
The Eternal Decision – Is an Inescapable Decision
Pilate tried to excuse himself. He attempted to wash away his responsibility (v. 24). He tried to prepare an excuse so that he could say, “I tried to prevent it.” According to his own statement, he had the ability to release Jesus (John 19;10)
The decision for each one of us is inescapable.
- Nothing you can do or say can ever change your responsibility for a decision concerning your relationship with Jesus Christ.
- Many people try to delay making that decision.
- Seriously consider this. If Jesus should come or should you go, your decision for eternity has been made.
- Eternity waits for no one. The tragic explosion of the space shuttle sent seven people into eternity without any warning.
Conclusion of Eternal Decision
The eternal question is simple, “What shall I do with Jesus?” It is unavoidable, and it can never be changed. Pilate was condemned for his decision.
Today this is your decision. What will you do with Jesus?
Click here to print or download the Bible Study “The Eternal Decision – What Will You Do With Jesus?“
