A QUESTION YOU MUST ANSWER!

HOW OFTEN in the lives of men do moments of tremendous decision cross their paths! Such was the case of a Roman governor in the city of Jerusalem many years ago. The crowning sin of the human race was about to be committed. A mob, represented by the chief priests and elders of the Jews, had gathered. They sought the Saviour's blood because they could not endure His teaching. Nothing else would satisfy them but His removal from earth, for He was a standing protest against their evil deeds.

A WOMAN'S DREAM

Before Pilate, Jesus stands with majestic dignity. For envy, the Jews had delivered Him (Matthew 27:18) and now Jesus is on Pilate's hands. As the fury of the mob who cried for His blood increases, it is written that Pilate's wife said, "Have thou nothing to do with that just (righteous) Man: for I have suffered many things this day in a dream because of Him" (Matthew 27:19). We are not told her dream concerning Christ but it caused much anguish in her soul. She suffered many things because of it. Perhaps she dreamed of hell, the Christ-rejector's end, or the awful judgment and consignment to the Lake of Fire for those who refuse God's salvation through Christ. Since it was Pilate's wife who had the dream, it seems that God was seeking to reach this poor man's conscience through his affection. Her warning was in vain. Pilate was obsessed with self-interest; to let Jesus go might cause him the loss of his lucrative position. Also, he was a coward who was afraid of a fool's laugh. He was more willing to content the people (Mark 15:15).

BARABBAS THE MURDERER

Pause for a moment and behold another man standing there. He is convicted for insurrection and murder (Mark 15:7). With every mark of fury and hate upon his face, he stands like a wolf beside the gentle Lamb of God. Barabbas is his name. Now at that season, it was a custom that the governor release one prisoner unto them (John 18:39). Pilate asks, "Whom will ye that I release unto you? Barabbas or Jesus which is called Christ?" (Matthew 27:17). "And they cried out all at once, saying, Away with this Man, and release unto us Barabbas" (Luke 23:18)

See how the patient Jesus stands
Insulted in His lowest case!
Sinners have bound the Almighty hands
And spit in their Creator's face.

Now comes the most solemn event in Pilate's life: "Pilate saith unto them, What shall I do then with Jesus which is called Christ?" They cry, "Let Him be crucified" (Matthew 27:22). Pilate reacts by washing his hands before the multitude, saying, "I am innocent of the blood of this just Person" (Matthew 27:24). Pilate released "Barabbas unto them: and when he had scourged Jesus, he delivered Him to be crucified" (Matthew 27:26).

Oh the sharp pangs of smarting pain
My dear Redeemer bore,
When knotty whips and rugged thorns
His sacred body tore.

Oh, the sin of Pilate! It was heartlessness with regard to Jesus' sufferings - he scourged Him! It was also cowardice - he'd sooner be damned than ridiculed! Finally, it was the sin of self-righteous hypocrisy - he washed his hands! Pilate rejected Christ.

WHAT ABOUT YOU?

"What shall I do then with Jesus which is called Christ?" rings out today. Let me ask you - what have you done with Him? I fear that some among my readers have rejected Him. Many are guilty of the sin of heartlessness. They never think of His infinite sufferings for them on the cross. What contempt! Others are cowards. They are afraid to trust and confess Him before others lest they lose their popularity and friendship with the ungodly. Then, there are those who are guilty of the sin of self- righteousness. They do not feel a need for the Saviour, but are trusting in their own good works for acceptance with God. Indeed, to present such a claim to God is like smiting Jesus on the face, it is like telling Him He was a fool to die for them since they don't need cleansing.

In what category does the reading of this tract put you? This question is being presented to you, "What shall I do then with Jesus?" You must do with Him - you can't avoid it! Judas sold Him; Pilate scourged Him; religious leaders mocked Him. Despised, forsaken, beaten and bruised, He went to Calvary to bleed and die on the cross, that through the shedding of His blood, you might be cleansed from your sin and be saved (Romans 5:6-10).

WHAT I DID WITH JESUS

I trust that you will do with Him as I did. I received Him as my personal Saviour and was immediately saved from coming wrath and judgment. God says, "Whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have eternal life" (John 3:15). You must receive or reject Him - there is no middle ground. "What shall I do then with Jesus which is called Christ?"

Oh, what will you do with Jesus?
The call comes low and clear;
The solemn words are sounding
In every listening ear;
Eternal life's in the question,
And joy through eternity:
Then what will you do with Jesus?
Oh, what shall the answer be?