Pilate was in a tight situation”¦Jesus was innocent of inciting rebellion; the Jewish leaders were calling for Jesus”™ death. Riots and bloodshed could be the results of Pilate”™s decision. There were thousands of Jews who had converged on Jerusalem to celebrate Passover. It could be a mess!

(NASB) Luke 23:13-16 “Pilate summoned the chief priests and the rulers and the people,

14 and said to them, “˜You brought this man to me as one who incites the people to rebellion, and behold, having examined Him before you, I have found no guilt in this man regarding the charges which you make against Him.

15 “˜No, nor has Herod, for he sent Him back to us; and behold, nothing deserving death has been done by Him.

16 “˜Therefore I will punish Him and release Him.”™”

Pilate wanted to appease these Jews and to do this he would punish the innocent man standing before him without a qualm of conscience.

Pilate was using appeasement. (Dictionary meaning of Appeasement: “The policy of granting concessions to potential enemies to maintain peace.”)

Are you like Pilate the politician? Do you also try to find the “˜easy way out”™, do you “˜play games”™ with the rules and laws? Are you also a “˜people-pleaser”™, wanting the approval of others, or those who are in power?

Whose approval is most important to you?

(NIV) Galatians 1:10 “Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ.”

What do you choose, Appeasement of Men or Approval of God?