Dear Christian friends:

Every Sunday in church we confess our faith in the Apostle's Creed. One thing we confess is that Jesus suffered under Pontius Pilate. Our text this evening tells about that. So let us attend to our text and consider the topic:


Who was Pontius Pilate? He was the Roman governor of Judea. He was chosen by Caesar to rule the province of Judea. He had many soldiers to enforce the Roman Laws. He had great power, power to condemn to death or release.

He was married and we read in Matthew how his wife had a dream that day and warned Pilate not to listen to the Jewish leaders who wanted Jesus condemned to death. "While Pilate was sitting on the judge’s seat, his wife sent him this message: “Don’t have anything to do with that innocent man, for I have suffered a great deal today in a dream because of him.” (Matthew 27-19)

Pilate tried to free Jesus because he knew Jesus had done nothing worthy of death. He also knew that the Jews had brought false charges against Jesus because they were jealous of Him. "For he knew that the chief priests had delivered him for envy." (Matthew 15:10) Also, he tried to free Jesus because of his wife's warning.

But the Jews refused to listen to him they encouraged the people to demand Jesus' death on the cross. (Matthew 15:11-14) Because he was a politician he wanted to please the Jewish leaders so he finally condemned Jesus to be crucified. (Matthew 15:15) Then He said he was not the blame for Jesus' death.

Jesus suffered under Pontius Pilate, but we know that He was to blame. He blamed the Jews and said He was not to blame, but we can easily see that He is to be blamed with the Jews.

Pontius Pilate condemned Jesus to death, but he is not the only one. God also condemned Jesus to death. Why? Because Jesus had become a "sinner." He accepted our sins and the whole world's sins. "For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him." (2 Corinthians 5:21)

God used Pontius Pilate to fulfill His plan without his knowledge. (Acts 3:17) How wonderful is our God. He uses even the unbelievers and governments to do His good and kind will on earth!

Let us not be like Pilate. He did not accept the blame for Jesus' death. But we should. For our sins God condemned Jesus to death on the cross. (Galatians 3:13) Let us confess our sins and then believe that God has forgiven our sins for Jesus' sake. Let us appreciate His great love for us that we can have peace in our hearts and love for God, new birth, new life, and eternal life!

Next Sunday when you confess the Creed and say with me, "He suffered under Pontius Pilate," say it with heart! Don't say the Creed without love and praise to God!

"He suffered under Pontius Pilate;"
He suffered under God;
He suffered for me!

Praise His holy Name!

Amen.