The crowd may not always be right

I do not mean to belittle anybody, but over the years I have to come to see how difficult it is for a politician to be seen to be right in public. Democracy has worked very well in certain context and historically for many western countries, but it is failing everywhere today. Democracy has become a popularity contest, and decisions may not be made for the common good, or with the right moral and God fearing reasons. We see a little of this in the case of Pilate's handling of the crowd in relation to the religious leaders' accusations against Jesus.

Mark 15:12-15

Pilate answered and said to them again, “What then do you want me to do with Him whom you call the King of the Jews?” So they cried out again, “Crucify Him!” Then Pilate said to them, “Why, what evil has He done?” But they cried out all the more, “Crucify Him!” So Pilate, wanting to gratify the crowd, released Barabbas to them; and he delivered Jesus, after he had scourged Him, to be crucified.

The Romans had a rule of law that prevents them from executing people indiscriminately. But here was Jesus standing before Pilate, the representative of the Emperor of Rome, given the task of judging Jesus for something that He supposedly did wrong under Jewish law. What do you do? You cannot say no when you could face a riot. In other gospel accounts Pilate washes his hands to symbolically say that Jesus' blood is on the heads of the Jewish people.

Whatever your inclination on the judgement passed you have to conclude that Jesus went without objection and in an unjust manner. He did not deserve the death meant for criminals. But it was necessary for the salvation of mankind. He saw God the Father turn His face from Him during this day. It is interesting that Jesus had some quiet sympathizers in the council like Joseph who gave an expensive tomb and linen for Jesus' burial. There were others who had no fear of being openly associated with Jesus in this day. Are you prepared for this?

Father, I openly declare that I am a follower of Jesus Christ and that others need Him too, and should do the same.

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