Jump Start # 748

Matthew 27:22 “Pilate said to them, ‘Then what shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ?’”

What shall I do with Jesus? What a great question! That is a question that comes before every person, whether they realize it or not. What shall I do with Jesus? This week we are looking at questions found in the New Testament. Our question today is one of the greatest ones found in the Bible.

Our passage comes from the trials of Jesus. He had been arrested and whisked through the Jewish court system and now stood before the Roman official, Pilate. Jesus was questioned by Pilate and found to be innocent of the charges and not subject to death by execution. The Jews persisted. They had gone this far and there was no turning back for them now. Their minds were made up. They wanted Jesus out of the picture and death was the only solution that would work.

Pilate tried to reason with the Jewish leaders but they would not listen. No compromise was acceptable to them. Death was the only option. They pushed and demanded that. If Pilate would not agree to that, then they were going to put Pilate in a corner and spread rumors that could get him in trouble with Rome.

What shall I do with Jesus? Pilate had to answer that. So do you and I. What shall we do with Jesus?

Some want to ignore that Jesus exists. Many do a good job with this. Their minds, plans, goals, and hopes are only material and secular. The Bible is never opened. Prayers are not said at the table. Their ambition is more money and stuff. They dream of vacations and having fun. When guilt crowds them a bit too much, they will give some to a charity to help the needy. This is their concept of being religious. Nothing demanding. Nothing personal. Nothing that calls for commitment. What shall I do with Jesus? Ignore Him and maybe He will go away.

Others, want Jesus only when they need Him. When times are tough, they wonder where is God? They need a prayer in the hospital. They want hope at the funeral. They need comfort in tough times. But when things turn around, they can place Jesus on a shelf until the next need arises. These folks like Jesus, but not too much. They don’t see the need for Jesus every day. They especially do not see the need for Jesus when things are going well.

Some want to disprove Jesus. Thoughts of Jesus and religion assault them. They are aggressive in trying to discredit the whole concept of religion. They feel that religion is for the mentally and emotionally weak. Their intellect has convinced them that they are too smart to need Jesus. More than that, they believe Jesus never existed. They are convinced that the Bible is a fraud and that the church is a movement to control people and milk money from them. These folks believe that science has proven the Bible to be false. Their god is self. Their standard of right and wrong changes often. They believe in tolerance of all things except religion. They are often loud and in your face about how they feel. They push agendas in government that move the country to be secular and void of all religious activity or thought.

There are others who love Jesus. They believe in Him with all their hearts. They have studied the evidence and know that Jesus is real. Their faith is in a resurrected savior. They have a close relationship with Jesus. The Bible has become so familiar to them that it is like visiting with a dear old friend. The words of the Bible lead, comfort and give hope. Jesus is a daily thought to these people. He is as much a part of their life on a Thursday morning as on a Sunday morning. Their life is defined and shaped by Jesus. They make choices based upon their faith in Jesus. They are engaged in helping the kingdom of God grow. They are dedicated, committed and excited about Jesus. He is real. He lives. And He is the Lord of their lives.

What shall I do with Jesus? What have you done with Jesus so far in your life? Have you watched from the sidelines, maybe sticking a toe in the water but that’s about all? Have you felt the need to go to church once in a while? Is what you have done in the past working? Is it making you live better? Are you still battered with worry, lust and fear? Are you getting anywhere? Are you making a difference? What kind of footprints are you leaving behind you?

Each of us must decide what shall we do with Jesus. Our parents have left their impressions. Our college professors have revealed where they stand. Friends, neighbors, co-workers all have their opinions. What about you? Just go with the flow? Just do what everyone else is doing? What shall I do with Jesus?

Have you ever thought what Jesus has done with you? He has loved you and still does. He died for you. He is in Heaven preparing a place for you. He has left a path for you to follow. The Lord wants you to want Him. The Lord has never stopped caring for you. He has had you in His heart and mind for a long, long time. He thinks about you more than you think about Him.

What shall I do with Jesus? Pilate was a coward. He caved in to the pressures of the Jewish mobs. Will you cave in to society? Will you cave in with what is easy and popular? Will you be religious from a distance but nothing too personal or too close? Or, will you decide to be different and follow Jesus?

There is a hymn that says, “I have decided to follow Jesus…” Follow Jesus in obedience. Follow Jesus in what He says. Follow Jesus in hope and faith. Follow Jesus in the direction He wants you to go. Follow Jesus all the way to Heaven.

What shall I do?

Roger