On the fateful day of Jesus’ death, some advice was given from an unlikely source that still helps us today.
Matthew 27: 15 Now at that feast the governor was wont to release unto the people a prisoner, whom they would. 16 And they had then a notable prisoner, called Barabbas. 17 Therefore when they were gathered together, Pilate said unto them, Whom will ye that I release unto you? Barabbas, or Jesus which is called Christ? 18 For he knew that for envy they had delivered him. 19 When he was set down on the judgment seat, his wife sent unto him, saying, Have thou nothing to do with that just man: for I have suffered many things this day in a dream because of him. 20 But the chief priests and elders persuaded the multitude that they should ask Barabbas, and destroy Jesus.
On Good Friday, a lot of terrible things took place. Here is the most unexpected, especially for Pilate. He was in the midst of trying Jesus and something highly irregular happened. His wife sent a message that unnerved him. It was urgent that he receive it.
It was Pilate’s job as procurator for Rome to hear cases. The Jews were allowed to hear some of their own cases, but other things had to go through Rome. Pilate had already spoken to the Sanhedrin and heard their charges. He knew it was their envy that brought Jesus before him. He saw through their sham. He questioned Jesus one on one. What Jesus said stunned his heart. He knew something set Jesus apart. Pilate knew that on Passover the Jews could release a prisoner. He set two before them, Barabbas and Jesus. In his mind, the choice was clear. Barabbas was an enemy of the Jews and Rome. He was a thief. He thought he’d get out of making a decision about Jesus by giving the people the choice between Jesus and Barabbas. Surely the people would release Jesus.
In the midst of all this, Pilate sees his wife’s personal servant trying to get his attention. He had a message of a few words that said a great deal. Have thou nothing to do with that just man: for I have suffered many things this day in a dream because of him. In this particular moment in your life, the Lord is sending it to you today. You should consider it.
Pilate came to Jerusalem at certain times to act as judge. He traveled around Israel to keep the people under control. In Jerusalem, there was a palace for him to live in. It was surrounded by a balcony. History says 100 guests could have been entertained at one time in this huge place. They could see every spot of Jerusalem from its heights. To one side was the temple; to another was the Garden of Gethsemane; to another was Calvary. Many of the streets could be seen. No doubt throughout the past week, Pilate’s wife had seen Jesus teaching at the temple, possibly healing someone. She had a view of the judgment hall and where the prisoners were beaten. The night before, Jesus had been praying in the Garden of Gethsemane in agony of heart and soul. Pilate was asleep. His wife tossed and turned. God was sending her a dream.
At the most critical point of the trial, the servant relayed her dream to Pilate. Don’t involve yourself with this man. She was scared. It was an urgent plea to leave it alone. Don’t go through with it. I don’t know what kind of dream it was, but she wanted her husband to know about it. The crowd cried “away with him” but Pilate’s wife defended Jesus saying he was a just man. Maybe she saw a glimpse of coming judgment if she didn’t believe. Whatever it was, it caused her to take a chance with her own life by interrupting Pilate. She didn’t want Pilate to let the crowd use him.
That’s her advice to us. Don’t go along with the world. If you’re not saved, you’re headed to hell. The only one who can save you is this same Jesus who died on the cross. Pilate asked the people what to do. He should have made up his own mind. Many people are in hell today because they asked someone else what to do. Your soul is in your hands and yours alone. Later Pilate took water in an act of washing his hands of the matter saying he was innocent of the blood of Jesus. What we do with Jesus is up to each of us individually.
Jesus went to Calvary; it was the plan of God. The will of the people allowed it to happen. If you die and go to hell, you can’t blame anyone but yourself. The devil is on one side. The crowd is on the other side. They both may say have nothing to do with him. Close enough for you to touch is the man who shivered in pain for your salvation. Pilate was put to the decision. You are being put to it today. When Pilate’s wife called Jesus a just man, it meant he was true and upright. Jesus is the only upright person to walk the face of the earth. When hopelessly lost, he came. He walked here for us and bore our sins so we could be saved.
She meant he was completely innocent. Just also means better. We think we have the cat by the tail, but we have nothing. We are nothing. There is one better than we are. He became lower than the angels to bear our sins. Pilate tried to have it both ways. He tried to please everyone. It was up to him to sign the verdict and sentence Jesus. Willing to content the people, he released Barabbas to them and sentenced Jesus to death on the cross. Our signature is on that verdict too. He suffered enough for you already. You’re called to a decision. Pilate’s wife could not set Jesus free, but she gave good advice.
Shortly after Pentecost, Pilate was called back to Rome. According to history, he was accused of something and sent to the farthest regions of the Roman Empire to rule. For the rest of his life he lived there. History says his wife left him. He committed suicide. Don’t make the same mistake Pilate made. Listen to his wife. Say no to the crowd. Say no to sin. Say yes to this just man, your Savior.
Adwolfe Freewill Baptist Church 