MATT, xxvii. 24. “When Pilate saw that
he could prevail nothing, but that rather a tumult mas made,
he took water, and washed his hands before the multitude.”

PILATE from first to last was an unwilling agent in the
crucifixion of the Lord; yet he yielded. The power of
conscience in him was strong enough to protest, but it
was not strong enough to resist. We are compelled to
look into the man himself for the explanation of his
conduct.
I. 1. He had by his injustice and selfishness in the
administration of his province, put himself already at the
mercy of the Jews.
2. He had no sure moral standard for the regulation of
his conduct.
3. He held low views of responsibility. Was there ever
such a display of silliness as this washing of his hands
before the people?
II. Let us look at a few practical lessons from this sad
history.
1. Be on your guard against fettering yourself for the
future by the conduct of the present.
2. Remember there is a higher rule of life than mere
selfish expenditure.
3. Learn that sin is a voluntary thing.
4. Do not forget that it is not the washing of hands in
water but the cleansing efficacy of the blood of Christ alone
that can take away guilt.
W. M. Taylor, D.D.