“When Pilate saw that he could not prevail at all, but rather that a tumult was rising, he took water and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, ‘I am innocent of the blood of this just Person. You see to it.’ And all the people answered and said, ‘His blood be on us and on our children.’ Then he released Barabbas to them; and when he had scourged Jesus, he delivered Him to be crucified” (Matt. 27:24-26).
When Pilate washed his hands before the Jews he was telling them he believed Jesus was an innocent man and would not take responsibility for His blood. Then he delivered this innocent Man to be crucified!
Pilate was placed in Judea by the Roman government to make these kinds of decisions. He alone had the power to determine Jesus’ fate. He admitted so himself (John 19:10). His handwashing act may have cleansed his conscience and attempted to transfer blame to the Jews (which they accepted – Matt. 27:25), but the Roman records would show that Pilate sentenced Jesus to death by crucifixion.
Pilate knew Jesus was innocent, but he also had to maintain the peace in Judea. This Roman Governor had a tumultuous relationship with the Jews. They resented Roman control of their land and lives and had clashed with Pilate on previous occasions. Pilate knew he was in a no-win situation. First, he sought to wash his hands of this responsibility by sending Jesus to Herod (Luke 23:6-12). Imagine Pilate’s frustration when Herod returned Jesus without a verdict. Next, Pilate sought to wash his hands by letting the Jews decide who would be released to them – Jesus or Barabbas (Matt. 27:15-23). Barabbas was a murderer, a robber, and the leader of a rebellion (Mark 15:7; Luke 23:19; John 18:40). Jesus was a popular but harmless rabbi. To Pilate, their choice would be obvious, “but the chief priests and elders persuaded the multitudes that they should ask for Barabbas and destroy Jesus” (Matt. 27:20). This is when Pilate lost control. He saw the crowd was on the verge of an uproar. “So Pilate, wanting to gratify the crowd, released Barabbas to them; and he delivered Jesus, after he has scourged Him, to be crucified” (Mark 15:15, emphasis mine - HR).
Pilate should have pronounced Jesus innocent and released Him. He had the authority to make this judgment and the Roman army behind him to enforce this decision. Instead, he sought to please the Jews. He tried numerous times to release Jesus, but only with their consent. His fear of the people and his selfish desire to keep his privileged position contributed to the greatest injustice the world will ever witness.
Just like Pilate, we all have responsibilities that can’t be washed away in a basin. Husbands are responsible for loving their wives as their own bodies (Eph. 5:28). Wives are responsible for submitting to and loving their husbands (Eph. 5:24; Titus 2:4). Parents are responsible for providing the physical and spiritual needs of their children (Eph. 6:4; 1 Tim. 5:8). Children are responsible for obeying their parents (Eph. 6:1-3).
Christians are responsible for obeying the law, paying their taxes, and praying for their civic leaders (Rom. 13:1-7; 1 Tim. 2:1-2). We must be good examples to others (Matt. 5:13-16) as loving and peaceful neighbors (Matt. 7:12; Rom. 12:18; 13:8).
In the church, elders are to watch out for and shepherd the flock (Acts 20:28-31). Members are to acknowledge, honor, and submit to their shepherds (1 Thess. 5:12-13; Heb. 13:17). We must be patient, kind, and forgiving towards one another (Col. 3:12-13). We must work together in unity to build up the church and promote the cause of Christ (Eph. 4:1-16).
“For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad” (2 Cor. 5:10). There will come a day in which we will give an account for how we have chosen to live (Rom. 14:10-12). We aren’t impressed with Pilate’s handwashing act. Neither is the Lord impressed with our efforts to avoid and abdicate our responsibilities.