It's interesting that many when recounting the events surrounding the cross seem to have a sympathetic view of Judas and Pilate. Many take the stance that someone had to do it. This is true, but it didn't have to be them. Judas walked with Jesus for three years and was part of His core group. Yet, when Jesus did not fulfill his preconceived ideas of a Messiah who would take over as He will at His second coming, he made the decision to betray Him. Pontius Pilate was warned by his wife, knew that the religious leaders were acting out of envy, etc. Though he demonstrably washed his hands before the crowd, absolving himself from the decision, he, too, made a decision. We read in Matthew 10:28, "And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell." We see his actions in Matthew 27:24, "When Pilate saw he could not prevail at all, but rather that a tumult was rising, he took water and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, "I am innocent of the blood of this just Person. You see to it." When the religious leaders said in John 19:7, "...We have a law, and according to our law He ought to die, because He made Himself the Son of God." This statement caught Pilate's attention, and we read in 19:12, "From then on Pilate sought to release Him, but the Jews cried out, saying, "If you let this Man go, you are not Caesar's friend."...". In the end, Pilate made the decision in 19:16, "Then he delivered Him to them to be crucified. Then they took Jesus and led Him away." Pilate feared the earthly consequences more than the truth. We read in 19:38-39 of Joseph of Arimethea and Nicodemus, both were followers of Jesus, but did so quietly without detection for fear of others. They were afraid to identify for fear of the retaliation. We read in John 12:42-43, "Nevertheless even among the rulers, many believed in Him, but because of the Pharisees they did not confess Him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue; for they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God."

No one is born into faith. Even if raised in the church, under the guidance of godly parents, eventually each person must make a decision. Just like the characters presented today, there will be many external factors which make this decision difficult. There is the fear of being ostracized from your peers. There is the fear of losing your friends. There is the fear of being stereotyped as being narrow-minded or even hateful. There may be the inability to fit in, as others engage in behavior which is not consistent with our walk with Jesus. But just like for Judas, Pilate, etc. a decision had to be made then, and a decision has to be made now. Like it or not, anyone who makes a decision not to follow Jesus is no different than these two mentioned or any of the other characters surrounding these events from the religious leaders, the soldiers, etc. We cannot stand on the sidelines of indecision. This decision is more important than deciding whom you will marry, if you will have children, which career you will pursue, etc. All other decisions begin and end on earth. This is the only decision with eternal consequences. This decision cannot be blamed on anyone else or made by anyone else. So, may any and all who read this today, take the time to consider the facts surrounding Jesus, and make the most important decision of their lives. Please make the decision to repent of your sins and accept His offer of salvation.