What Will You Do With Jesus?
”Pilate said to them, ‘What then shall I do with Jesus, who is called Christ?’ ” (Matthew 27:22 NKJV).
This is the most important question ever asked, “What shall I do with Jesus?” Have you answered this question in your life? Your answer will determine your happiness on earth and your eternal destiny as well.
Why did Pilate ask that question? During the previous night, Jewish leaders had arrested Jesus in Gethsemane, condemning Him in an illegal night trial. Early that morning they had brought Him to Pilate, the Roman Governor, demanding the death penalty. Pilate found no fault in Jesus but played politics by offering to release either Jesus or a dangerous murderer named Barabbas. The mob, spurred on by the Jewish leaders, shouted their choice that Barabbas be released instead of Jesus. Surprised, Pilate asked them, “What then shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ? They all said to him, ‘Let Him be crucified’ ” (Matthew 27:22).
Suspense was growing! Pilate had to either crucify Jesus or let Him go. He tried to dodge the issue by passing the decision to King Herod and the Roman soldiers. Then Pilate called for a basin of water and washed his hands, thinking he could be neutral and escape the responsibility of making a decision concerning Jesus (vss. 23-24).
What about you? John said of Jesus, “He came to His own [the Jews], and His own did not receive Him. But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become the children of God, to those who believe in His name:” (John 1:11-12). Most of the Jewish people of that day rejected Jesus as their Messiah, but not all. The believing apostles were Jews and thousands of other Jews of that day also received Jesus as their Messiah and Savior.
To all who believed in Him, Jesus gave “the right” to become children of God. He still does! Believers receive forgiveness of sins, abundant life on earth and eternal life in Heaven. Rejecting Jesus leaves people with their guilt throughout this life and condemns them to Hell forever when they die.
Many, like Pilate, say, “I haven’t rejected Jesus. I’m neutral.” If a man asks a woman to marry him and she ignores his proposal, he rightly concludes her answer is “No.” If you do not take seriously God’s proposal that you receive Jesus as your Savior and act on it, you are also rejecting Him. Jesus said, “He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God? (John 3:18b). Many people are on God’s death row and don’t know it.
On Sunday night, October 8th, 1871, evangelist Dwight L. Moody, was in the midst of conducting a series of evangelistic services in the 2500 seat Farwell Hall in Chicago. The house was packed. Moody was preaching on this text and subject, “What Will You Do With Jesus?” Thinking he might be pressing people too hard, Moody did not give a public invitation for decision that night. He closed the service requesting the people to go home and think about the message and come back the next night ready to make a decision.
That very night the Chicago Fire broke out. 17,000 buildings were destroyed, including Farwell Hall, Moody’s home and 50 church buildings. More than 300 people died and thousands suffered injuries. 90,000 people were left homeless. Of course, there was no service the next night. Moody was devastated. He vowed to never again preach without inviting people to receive Jesus Christ as Savior. He continued preaching across America and other countries until his death in 1899. Everywhere he went, he told of the Chicago Fire, pleading with people to receive Jesus as Savior that day for they had no promise of tomorrow. What will you do with Jesus? Receive Him as your Savior today. Tomorrow may be too late. Amen.