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PILATE PERPLEXED (LUKE 23:1-7)

REFLECTION

The theme for our reflection is “Pilate Perplexed” To be perplexed means to be confused because something is difficult to understand or solve. “Pilate perplexed” implies that Pilate was confused because he was confronted with a case that was difficult to comprehend. We shall reflect on the fact our innocence must be so pronounced that people will be perplexed about the schemes and allegations of our enemies.

Beloved in the Lord, as children of God and disciples of Christ, we must be blameless and innocent in all our endeavours, especially among our enemies or adversaries. Jesus’ innocence or blamelessness was so pronounced to the extent that Pilate the governor and judge was perplexed about the unfounded and misguided allegations level against Jesus by the Chief Priest and his cohorts. We are told, that they accused Him, “We have found this man subverting our nation. He opposes payment of taxes to Caesar and claims to be Messiah, a king.” “…Pilate announced to the chief priests and the crowd, “I find no basis for a charge against this man.” 5 But they insisted, “He stirs up the people all over Judea by his teaching. He started in Galilee and has come all the way here.” (Luke 23:2,4-5). We all know from the live and ministry of Jesus that He never opposed the payment of taxes. He preached and healed people and was greatly loved by the masses. We can deduce that the ground for Jesus’ charge or allegation was mere malicious propaganda to have Jesus killed at all costs. This leaves Pilate the judge perplexed. He was confused because he could not understand how Jesus’ people would be overly determined to have him killed with such a baseless accusation. Well, friend, there comes a time in our lives when people will want you dead or destroyed simply because they see you as an impediment. Your anointing, blessings and goodwill from God may become the source of your enemies’ frustration. Your promotion and success may be why someone will experience sleepless nights and develop hatred towards you. Eventually, the people who envy and hate you will make claims, take actions and execute schemes towards you that are unreasonable, malicious and capricious. Nonetheless, like Jesus, you must remain resolute, focused and unshaken. You may sometimes feel lonely, heartbroken and saddened when you think about the conspiracy being orchestrated by your enemies at work, in your family and among your friends against you, but Jesus wants you to remember His ordeal in the hands of His people and be greatly encouraged to look up to Him for your vindication and victory. We are emboldened by the words of the Psalmist when he wrote “You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. 6 Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever. (Psalms 23:5-6)

In summary, we have discovered that our innocence must be so pronounced that people will be perplexed about the schemes and allegations of our enemies. May the Lord be our helper. Shalom.

PRAYER

May the Holy Spirit strengthen us to remain resilient and innocent amid baseless allegations, evil schemes and charges from our enemies. May we continue to trust the Lord for our day’s vindication and victory. Amen