Where does character come from? n Proverbs 1:7 -10 (NKJV) 7 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, But fools despise wisdom and instruction. 8 My son, hear the instruction of your father, And do not forsake the law of your mother; 9 For they will be a graceful ornament on your head, And chains about your neck. 10 My son, if sinners entice you, Do not consent.

Where does character come from? n It begins in the home and it continues throughout life. (Prov 1:20-24)

Where does character come from? n It begins in the home and it continues throughout life. (Prov 1:20-24) n The moral condition of a nation also contributes greatly to this building.

Where does character come from? n It begins in the home and it continues throughout life. (Prov 1:20-24) n The moral condition of a nation also contributes greatly to this building. n Pilate had little to help him build this kind of character.

Where does character come from? n Jesus described two kinds of people in the Sermon on the Mount. (Mt 7:24-27)

Where does character come from? n Jesus described two kinds of people in the Sermon on the Mount. (Mt 7:24-27) n Paul wants us to build this foundation of inner strength. (Eph 4:14-15)

Where does character come from? n Jesus described two kinds of people in the Sermon on the Mount. (Mt 7:24-27) n Paul wants us to build this foundation of inner strength. (Eph 4:14-15) n Many men think of themselves as strong but are really cowards.

The background of Pilate n He was involved with a very corrupt government.

The background of Pilate n He was involved with a very corrupt government. –He had to also please unprincipled men!

The background of Pilate n He was involved with a very corrupt government. –He had to also please unprincipled men! –He has a rule but one without moral authority. (Prov 14:32-34)

The background of Pilate n He was involved with a very corrupt government. –He had to also please unprincipled men! –He has a rule but one without moral authority. (Prov 14:32-34) –Because he did not fear God he had no principles. (Prov 15:33; 18:12)

The background of Pilate n He likely had military experience.

The background of Pilate n He likely had military experience. –This taught him disciple and respect for authority. (2 Tim 2:2-3)

The background of Pilate n He likely had military experience. –This taught him disciple and respect for authority. (2 Tim 2:2-3) –How were the Roman Centurions described in the Bible? (Mt 8:9-10)

The background of Pilate n He was a man who tried to intimidate but had no consistency.

The background of Pilate n He was a man who tried to intimidate but had no consistency. –Jesus used the wrath of Pilate as an example. (Lk 13:1-3)

The background of Pilate n He was a man who tried to intimidate but had no consistency. –Jesus used the wrath of Pilate as an example. (Lk 13:1-3) –According to Josephus, Pilate would yield with a sufficient display.

The trial of Pilate n In reality God was putting Pilate on trial.

The trial of Pilate n In reality God was putting Pilate on trial. n Genesis 22:1 (NKJV) 1Now it came to pass after these things that God tested Abraham, and said to him, “Abraham!” And he said, “Here I am.”

The trial of Pilate n Job 23:10-12 (NKJV) 10 But He knows the way that I take; When He has tested me, I shall come forth as gold. 11 My foot has held fast to His steps; I have kept His way and not turned aside. 12 I have not departed from the commandment of His lips; I have treasured the words of His mouth More than my necessary food.

The trial of Pilate n Pilate saw the hypocrisy of the Jewish leaders. (Mk 14:61-63)

The trial of Pilate n Pilate saw the hypocrisy of the Jewish leaders. (Mk 14:61-63) n Pilate saw Jesus under sever pressure.

The trial of Pilate n Pilate saw the hypocrisy of the Jewish leaders. (Mk 14:61-63) n Pilate saw Jesus under sever pressure. –The power of our Lord was shown in when he did not speak. (Mk 15:2-5)

The trial of Pilate n Pilate saw the hypocrisy of the Jewish leaders. (Mk 14:61-63) n Pilate saw Jesus under sever pressure. –The power of our Lord was shown in when he did not speak. (Mk 15:2-5) –When he did speak it was not with excitement, hatred or fear. (1 Pt 2:20-23)

The trial of Pilate n 1 Peter 2:21-23 (NKJV) 21For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps: 22“Who committed no sin, Nor was deceit found in His mouth”; 23 who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously;

The trial of Pilate –This strength continued even after a scourging. (Jn 19:1-2, 7-12)

The trial of Pilate –This strength continued even after a scourging. (Jn 19:1-2, 7-12) n Pilate was warned by his wife. (Mt 27:19)

The trial of Pilate –This strength continued even after a scourging. (Jn 19:1-2, 7-12) n Pilate was warned by his wife. (Mt 27:19) n Jesus confronted Pilate with his own hope of rescue ---- the truth!

The trial of Pilate –This strength continued even after a scourging. (Jn 19:1-2, 7-12) n Pilate was warned by his wife. (Mt 27:19) n Jesus confronted Pilate with his own hope of rescue ---- the truth! –Who is Jesus? (Jn 18:36-38)

The trial of Pilate –This strength continued even after a scourging. (Jn 19:1-2, 7-12) n Pilate was warned by his wife. (Mt 27:19) n Jesus confronted Pilate with his own hope of rescue ---- the truth! –Who is Jesus? (Jn 18:36-38) –Pilate’s background taught him the danger of “truth.”

The trial of Pilate –This strength continued even after a scourging. (Jn 19:1-2, 7-12) n Pilate was warned by his wife. (Mt 27:19) n Jesus confronted Pilate with his own hope of rescue ---- the truth! –Who is Jesus? (Jn 18:36-38) –Pilate’s background taught him the danger of “truth.” –He states the truth but will not stand for it.

The “middle ground” of Pilate n Three ways Pilate tried to avoid his decision.

The “middle ground” of Pilate n Three ways Pilate tried to avoid his decision. n Send Him to Herod. (Lk 23:6-7, 11)

The “middle ground” of Pilate n Three ways Pilate tried to avoid his decision. n Send Him to Herod. (Lk 23:6-7, 11) n Offer the People Barabbas. (Jn 18:38-40)

The “middle ground” of Pilate n Three ways Pilate tried to avoid his decision. n Send Him to Herod. (Lk 23:6-7, 11) n Offer the People Barabbas. (Jn 18:38-40) n Arouse sympathy. (Jn 19:1-5)

The “middle ground” of Pilate n The “Solution” of Pilate.

The “middle ground” of Pilate n The “Solution” of Pilate. n He had two goals: to release Jesus but he also wanted to please the Jews.

The “middle ground” of Pilate n The “Solution” of Pilate. n He had two goals: to release Jesus but he also wanted to please the Jews. n He decided that the decision was not his to make after all. (Mt 27:24-26)

The “middle ground” of Pilate n The “Solution” of Pilate. n He had two goals: to release Jesus but he also wanted to please the Jews. n He decided that the decision was not his to make after all. (Mt 27:24-26) –Some want the struggle is enough, words and emotion without a stand!

The “middle ground” of Pilate n The “Solution” of Pilate. n He had two goals: to release Jesus but he also wanted to please the Jews. n He decided that the decision was not his to make after all. (Mt 27:24-26) –Some want the struggle is enough, words and emotion without a stand! –You must not let another make the decision for you.

God’s verdict on Pilate n Pilate wanted “clean hands.” Did he have them?

God’s verdict on Pilate n Pilate wanted “clean hands.” Did he have them? –God recognized that Pilate was pressured. (Acts 13:28)

God’s verdict on Pilate n Pilate wanted “clean hands.” Did he have them? –God recognized that Pilate was pressured. (Acts 13:28) –He also recognized that Pilate did not arrest Jesus or cause this situation.

God’s verdict on Pilate n Pilate wanted “clean hands.” Did he have them? –God recognized that Pilate was pressured. (Acts 13:28) –He also recognized that Pilate did not arrest Jesus or cause this situation. –He also knew that Pilate heard a remarkable confession. (1 Tim 6:13)

God’s verdict on Pilate n The final verdict of God

God’s verdict on Pilate n The final verdict of God –Guilty! God clearly shows that Pilate’s hands were unwashed. (Acts 4:27)

God’s verdict on Pilate n The final verdict of God –Guilty! God clearly shows that Pilate’s hands were unwashed. (Acts 4:27) –In many ways Pilate was just like the religious leaders by substituting form over substance. (Mt 23:23-24)

God’s verdict on Pilate n How will you do at your trial?

God’s verdict on Pilate n How will you do at your trial? n Many look at consequences first and then try to find another way. (Gal 6:12)

God’s verdict on Pilate n How will you do at your trial? n Many look at consequences first and then try to find another way. (Gal 6:12) n What if Pilate had stood for the truth?

God’s verdict on Pilate n How will you do at your trial? n Many look at consequences first and then try to find another way. (Gal 6:12) n What if Pilate had stood for the truth? n On the judgment day you will have no one to hide behind.