Pr. Adrián Rogers: ¿Qué, pues, haré de Jesús? - Mt. 27:22

What Will You Do with Jesus?

The Dilemma of Acceptance or Rejection

• The speaker introduces the central theme: individuals must make a choice regarding Jesus—accept, reject, crown, or crucify Him. Neutrality is not an option.

• Life presents choices in various forms (relationships, jobs, gifts), and similarly, one must choose to accept or reject Christ.

• The question posed is profound: "What will you do with Jesus?" This inquiry emphasizes personal responsibility in one's relationship with Christ.

Historical Context and Personal Reflection

• Jesus is described as an unavoidable historical figure; everyone must confront their stance on Him.

• Pontius Pilate's role during Jesus' trial serves as a metaphor for humanity's collective decision-making about Christ.

• Pilate’s question from Matthew 27:22 highlights that each person faces the same pivotal question regarding their response to Jesus.

Urgency and Personal Accountability

• The speaker stresses that this question is urgent and personal; it requires immediate reflection on one's own beliefs about Jesus.

• Responses to this question are critical; they determine one's spiritual destiny and cannot be ignored.

• Choosing not to decide is still a decision—everyone ultimately accepts, rejects, confesses, denies, crowns, or crucifies Christ.

Voices Confronting Pilate

• Pilate faced multiple influences when deciding about Jesus: the voice of reason recognized the envy behind accusations against Him.

• Despite knowing the truth of the situation (that charges were fabricated), Pilate struggled with his decision due to external pressures from religious leaders.

Internal Struggles and External Influences

• C.S. Lewis’ trilemma presents three options regarding Jesus' identity: liar, lunatic, or Lord. This framework challenges listeners to consider who they believe Jesus truly is.

• Another significant influence was Pilate's wife warning him through dreams about her concerns over condemning an innocent man—highlighting how loved ones can impact our decisions about faith.

Conscience and Moral Responsibility

• Pilate’s conscience troubled him as he recognized Jesus' innocence but felt pressured by public outcry for crucifixion.

• Many today experience similar internal conflicts when confronted with moral decisions related to faith in Christ; awareness of right versus wrong plays a crucial role in these moments.

The Voice of Jesus: Confronting Pilate

The Call to Action

• The speaker emphasizes the importance of surrendering one's heart to Jesus, highlighting that various influences (reason, loved ones, and conscience) urge individuals to make this commitment.

Jesus' Declaration to Pilate

• Reference is made to John 18:37, where Jesus acknowledges His kingship and purpose: "I was born for this...to bear witness to the truth." This statement underscores the significance of truth in the dialogue between Jesus and Pilate.

Hearing the Voice of Jesus

• The speaker asserts that everyone has heard the voice of Jesus through Scripture, equating reading God's word with hearing Him directly. He stresses that he is merely a messenger delivering Christ's message.

Pressures Influencing Pilate's Decision

• Various pressures are identified as controlling factors for Pilate:

• Public opinion influenced his actions; he sought to please the crowd rather than uphold justice.

• Pride played a role in his interactions with Jesus, as seen when he boasts about his authority over life and death.

Consequences of Political Pressure

• Pilate's concern for maintaining his political position led him to prioritize personal safety over moral integrity. He feared losing his job if he did not conform to public expectations.

Pilate's Attempts to Evade Responsibility

Ignoring Jesus' Authority

• Initially, Pilate attempts to ignore Jesus by suggesting that others should judge Him according to their laws. This reflects a desire to avoid making a difficult decision himself.

Passing the Buck

• When discovering that Jesus is from Galilee, Pilate tries shifting responsibility by sending Him to Herod. This act illustrates an unwillingness to confront personal accountability regarding spiritual matters.

Personal Accountability in Faith Decisions

What Was Pilate's Role in the Crucifixion of Jesus?

Pilate's Initial Assessment of Jesus

• Pilate attempted to admire Jesus, believing that by stating trivialities about Him, he could absolve himself of responsibility.

• He declared that he found no fault in Jesus, even after questioning Him and receiving no evidence of wrongdoing.

• The speaker argues it would have been better for Pilate to find guilt than to acknowledge innocence and still allow the crucifixion.

The Consequences of Neutrality

• Merely acknowledging Jesus as a great man is insufficient; true acceptance requires submission and recognition of His lordship.

• Pilate’s attempt at neutrality led him to wash his hands symbolically, claiming innocence while allowing the crowd to decide Jesus' fate.

• The speaker emphasizes that not making a decision about Jesus is itself a decision against Him.

The Final Verdict and Its Implications

• The act of washing his hands did not absolve Pilate from guilt; it was an ineffective gesture against the gravity of his choice.

• God reversed the court's decision by resurrecting Jesus, affirming His divinity despite human judgment.

Faith and Acceptance

• Belief in Christ is essential; many apostles died for their conviction in His resurrection, highlighting its significance over mere acknowledgment.

• An invitation is extended for personal acceptance of Christ as Lord and Savior, emphasizing public confession as part of faith.

Conclusion: A Call to Action

• The speaker encourages listeners not to let pride or public opinion hinder their acceptance of Christ.