Wishing to Satisfy

Taking away the fact that Jesus was crucified by the Divine perfect foreknowledge, plan and purpose of God, you have some lessons to learn form the arrest, trial, and crucifixion about human nature.

Pilate is an interesting case study here.  With Jesus, the Son of God on one side and Barabbas the murdering insurrectionist against Rome (his Nation), Pilate releases Barabbas at the wishes of the crowd.


Mark 15:15 (ESV) So Pilate, wishing to satisfy the crowd, released for them Barabbas, and having scourged Jesus, he delivered him to be crucified.

Who are you going to satisfy with your life?  The riled up crowd or God?  You seldom can do both.  In fact, most of God's people could not do both at the same time, namely, Jesus Himself.  It is no wonder He said the way was narrow and the gate was small and few find it.  

Our world is okay with Jesus as one among many... But we believe He is the way the truth and the life.
Your friends may be okay with Jesus being part of your life, but what happens when Jesus controls your life?
Who are you going to satisfy?

It's amazing the self-implicating decisions we make to be accepted by the crowd.  Pilate was releasing a man who would most likely go on another killing spree against Pilate's own Empire.  That is ludicrous by any estimation.  But it symbolizes what happens to us when we appease the masses.  We actually only hurt ourselves.  For today they love you but tomorrow who knows.  And you may just be releasing a killing against yourself!

Paul knew he could NOT please men and refused to change to do so...
Galatians 1:10 (ESV) For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.

There is no doubt about our faith, it will cost you.  Most times it will cost you the approval of others.  But if you have the approval of God, you will find life.

PRAYER:
Father, in my decisions, help me to choose you.  No matter what it may do in others.  Let me not be swayed by the people of this world, by those who have other ideas for me, by anyone other than Your Holy Spirit.  Come Lord, and speak, lead, and help me stand for you no matter who else does not.

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