Herod sent Him back. And Pilate could not scheme his way out. Dealing with Jesus was his responsibility.

 “Then Pilate called together the leading priests and other religious leaders, along with the people, and he announced his verdict. “You brought this man to me, accusing him of leading a revolt. I have examined him thoroughly on this point in your presence and find him innocent. Herod came to the same conclusion and sent him back to us. Nothing this man has done calls for the death penalty. So I will have him flogged, and then I will release him.” Then a mighty roar rose from the crowd, and with one voice they shouted, “Kill him, and release Barabbas to us!” (Barabbas was in prison for taking part in an insurrection in Jerusalem against the government, and for murder.) But they kept shouting, “Crucify him! Crucify him!” For the third time he demanded, “Why? What crime has he committed? I have found no reason to sentence him to death. So I will have him flogged, and then I will release him.” But the mob shouted louder and louder, demanding that Jesus be crucified, and their voices prevailed. So Pilate sentenced Jesus to die as they demanded. As they had requested, he released Barabbas, the man in prison for insurrection and murder. But he turned Jesus over to them to do as they wished.” Luke 23:13-25

Do we prefer justice or injustice?

There is no debate.

We desire justice.

Jesus was innocent.

Pilate knew it.

But he gave in to the mob.

Injustice won. Think about it.

Jesus was surrendered to the wishes of the religious leaders and the people they had incited to riot.

Their wish?

Kill Jesus.

Pilate could have said, “As you wish,” to the crowd.

Though He doesn’t say “As you wish” to you and me, Jesus surrenders His power and authority over the universe to you and me. Honestly, Jesus could speak a word and every living human would be subjected to His will…forced to believe. Yet, the innocent man Jesus died for both of us. He took care of our biggest problem-our sins. We can believe in Him…or not.

God planned this before time began.

This is a stunning reality.

Here is the exact truth… God planned to save us before He created the universe. Paul wrote these words to explain it:

“For God saved us and called us to live a holy life. He did this, not because we deserved it, but because that was his plan from before the beginning of time—to show us his grace through Christ Jesus.”  2 Timothy 1:9

God through His great love will not force us to believe. He could say:

“As you wish…”

He didn’t…the question is will we believe or won’t we believe? There is eternal evidence to believe God planned to save us, It is a cross. Keep the cross Jesus died on in view when you decide. It matters that an innocent man died for the sins of the world…yours, mine. What God began BEFORE the beginning of time Jesus completed. On the cross Jesus said, “It is finished.”

How amazing, all powerful God never forces us, What He desires is our love in return for His.

So, …As you wish…

…believe or don’t believe. There are no other choices.