Pilate’s Bath

History reveals a tradition of token washing to indicate innocence in both the Roman and Latin cultures. These traditions are traceable back to the Old Testament law in Deuteronomy 21:6. In our study today, we shall go back to see how different the Jewish law was from what Pilate was trying to do. What Pilate was trying to do is reproduced by many today who in their ignorance attempt to build a false security. Water on the hands will never remove bloodstains left there by wrongful behavior.

Hold up in your mind’s eye a bucket of water and a terry cloth towel on the one hand and a human heartbeat on the other. Somehow, the scales of universal human values seem to tip toward the human heart. The Jews had volunteered to accept the blame, his wife has warned: “Keep your hands off of this righteous man,” and somehow, Pilate convinces himself that his bath brings innocence. This dirty deed, however, cannot be removed by a symbolic bath. Pilate’s bath is a wasted attempt to appear innocent.

The text says: “He released Jesus to the men to be crucified.” His action speaks louder than his running water. He could have intervened, but he chose not to. He could have risked or surrendered his political position, but he chose not to. He wanted to look passive, but that position was not available to him. To not intervene is to push toward the cross. To not defend the Christ, he chose to work against him.

Taking a Pilate’s bath is attempting to trade terry cloth towels for eternal forgiveness of sin. It is trying to postpone a decision that is due now. It is an attempt at washing away the world’s sin. Taking a basin of fear or inconvenience, many are denying Christ access to the control of their life. This bath, however, is more deceptive than the emperor’s new clothes.

The Bible makes it clear in the first chapter of Romans that God has revealed Himself sufficiently in creation for everyone to be able to begin their walk of faith. We are always looking for more information and stronger faith (the first is not a prerequisite of the second). Faith is a risk. It is stepping on what you cannot see. There is, however, more than ample evidence to begin. He who refuses to place his faith in Jesus Christ for salvation is taking a Pilate’s bath, and the result is about the same … totally meaningless.

In law, the rule is: “Innocent until proven guilty.” In life, however, the rule is: Guilty until proven innocent. Scripture makes it clear that man is born in sin and desperate for a solution. Jesus offers the only solution. What can wash away my sin? The answer certainly cannot be symbolism of any kind. It cannot be the water of human works. The blood of Jesus Christ alone can cover our sin stains.

Pilate’s Bath

[Excuses for rejecting Christ]

Matthew 27:24-26

INTRODUCTION

Who am I trying to convince—the conscience?

INSTRUCTION

1. The Public bath

2. The Religious bath

3. The Roman bath

4. The Supernatural bath

5. The Pilate’s bath