Mathew 27:22, Philippians 2:10-11
Pilate
faced the ultimate imperative question in human history. What, then, shall I do with
Jesus, called Christ? The Jesus question is what it's all about. What will you
do about his word, his life, his death, his resurrection and his second return?
Answering is a personal necessity because your response to this question
determines not only your life today but your eternal destiny. Everyone must answer this question correctly in
this life. In the end, every knee shall bow, and every tongue shall
acknowledge his Lordship. Believers with joy, and non-believers with regret. No one can dodge the question or
remain neutral. Ignoring will have the
same consequences as rejecting him.
Pilate
raised the right question but answered it wrongly. He tried to deflect it to
Herod, seek advice, consult, present Barabbas as a substitute, wash his hands,
and simply follow the crowd. The question remained: What shall you do with
Jesus, called Christ? It was for him and the raging crowd. The choice was not
easy. They were tired of Roman occupation and subjugation and sought a worldly
solution. So, they were disappointed in Jesus, whom they expected to deliver
them from their earthly problem. There was also group pressure and political
manipulation. The chief priests stirred the crowd not to ask for Jesus'
release. Religious opposition and the fear of Rome were real. No king but Caesar.
Everyone is
confronted with this question every moment. What are you doing about Jesus? Often the answer is also not easy. But the answer
influences day-to-day conduct. At work, at home,
at recreation and on the road. Alone and
when interacting with others. Daily, believers face the question (Luke 9:23;
Romans 6:11; Galatians 2:20): When faced with choices. When temptation lingers.
When anxiety blurs the future. When doubt reigns, and worry takes over. When
self-preservation and interest roar. It’s a daily choice to take up the cross
and follow Jesus. Pause and reflect on
it - how is your life answering the question? Have you received Him? How are
you walking with him? Are you pleasing
him? Remember the following things to help you choose Jesus all the time.
His Purpose: Jeremiah 29:11: His love to seek and save you. His wonderful thoughts
for you and for his mission. Matthew 4:19: We already have work - to follow and fish. No
excuse for saying, “These days I am doing nothing.” A brother who served at
church saw doors open for him. He ended up with an airport baggage-carrier job
he didn't qualify for. Faithful work makes a difference. Work means providing
solutions and meeting needs, not just having a job. A reminder to shine the
light of Christ with good works. Share the good news and show the glory.
His Pardon: Psalm 103:17 is beyond understanding. As far as the east is from the west, so deep and wide is his pardon. Now there is no condemnation for those in Christ.
His Promise: 2 Peter 1:4 – His great and precious promises. God is faithful to his promises. He watches over his word to perform it. Over 7,500 promises. Mix his word/promise with faith Hebrews 4:2.
His Process: Isaiah 26:3/Proverbs 3:5-6. The gap between promise and its fulfilment. Delay is not denial. David waited 14-20yrs after the anointing. Paul: about 14 years; the nation of Israel: 40 years. Abraham waited for his son. Follow His presence – the pillar of fire by night and the cloud by day.
His Presence – Ezekiel 33:14. If you sense or trust his presence, everything else will align to it. The greatest promise: I will be with you. I will not leave you. This distinguishes believers. They have a Paraclete - one who comes alongside.
His Power: Luke 1:37. With him, the obstacle becomes the way. He enables obedience and results. He alone is self-existing. Everything else was created. He alone is necessary. He is the source; everything else is a channel. We can do all things through Christ.
His Promotion Psalm 75:6. Neither comes from the east nor from the west. Jabez - 1 Chronicles 4:10. Promotion in this life and from this life when the roll is called up yonder. We are blessed indeed with abundant and eternal life.
Response
prayer and concluding song: Oh, be lifted above all other gods. We lay
our crowns and worship You
Shared at Zonkisizwe, October 2026.
By K. Chitima
