September 5

And wishing to satisfy the crowd, Pilate released Barabbas to them. But he had Jesus flogged, and handed Him over to be crucified. — Mark 15:15 BSB

Pilate’s position was a tragic one. He probably felt honored to be made governor of Judea, but the responsibility of that role led to his downfall.

When he was summoned early that April morning, he didn’t realize it would be his day of judgment. He had no idea he was about to make a decision that would forever mark him with shame. It would have been far better for him to have never been governor than to make the terrible mistake he made that day.

Instead of asking, “What is right?”—the only question a judge should consider—Pilate asked, “What will benefit me?” That’s where he lost everything.

Now, he is known throughout history as the judge who knowingly sent an innocent man to be crucified. Some have imagined Pilate constantly washing his hands, but no matter how much he scrubs, the stain will never come off.