Matthew 27:22 – What Shall I Do with Jesus?

Pilate stood face to face with the truth, tried to avoid responsibility, and marvelled at a death unlike any other. His story presses every listener with the same unavoidable question: What will you do with Jesus?

This article is adapted from a message preached on September 24, 2025. Watch the full sermon on YouTube.

Pilate and a Unique Encounter with the Truth

In John’s Gospel, we are introduced to a scene that is both solemn and searching. The Lord Jesus is brought early in the morning from Caiaphas to the hall of judgment. The religious leaders will not enter, lest they be defiled, yet they are clamouring for Christ’s death. Pilate moves back and forth—bringing Jesus in, sending Him out, questioning Him, then facing the crowd again.

Read carefully through John 18:28–38 and you will notice a pattern. Pilate repeatedly declares, “I find no fault in Him.” Yet despite knowing this, he does nothing decisive to release Christ.

Pilate had a unique opportunity—one no other man ever had. He stood face to face with the Son of God. And yet, in how he responded, Pilate acted very much like people still do today.

Wrestling with the Truth

The first thing we learn about Pilate is this: he wrestled with the truth.

Pilate was not indifferent. He questioned, reasoned, weighed the matter, and turned it over in his mind. He asked Jesus directly, “Art thou the King of the Jews?” (John 18:33). The Lord’s response cut straight to the heart: “Sayest thou this thing of thyself, or did others tell it thee of Me?” (v34).

That is a searching question. Are you interested in Christ because you personally want to know the truth, or only because someone else has brought the matter before you?

Pilate’s problem was not lack of evidence. He heard the truth from Christ Himself:“To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth.” (v37)

Yet Pilate’s response reveals his struggle: “What is truth?” (v38)

He was wrestling—not with an idea, but with a Person.

Many do the same. Turning things over in the mind. Making excuses. Thinking, Maybe later. I’m too busy. I’m too young. I’m too old. Pilate delayed because he did not want to face the truth honestly.

But when you come face to face with the truth, you must make a choice.

“What Shall I Do Then with Jesus?”

Pilate voices a question that every person must answer:“What shall I do then with Jesus which is called Christ?” (Matthew 27:22)

Neutrality is impossible. Pilate knew it. You either accept Christ, or you reject Him.

Though Pilate repeatedly affirmed Christ’s innocence, the pressure of the crowd overwhelmed him. He attempted to escape responsibility, but truth does not allow for escape.

Washing His Hands

When Pilate realized he could not prevail, he did something dramatic.

“He took water, and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, ‘I am innocent of the blood of this just Person: see ye to it.’” (Matthew 27:24)

This act was symbolic. Pilate believed he could wash his hands of Christ—avoid responsibility, avoid a decision.

But washing hands does not cleanse guilt.

In fact, this action drew out a chilling confession from the crowd:“His blood be on us, and on our children.”

Pilate made his choice. In trying to avoid choosing, he rejected Christ.

Many do the same today—assuming that avoiding a decision somehow leaves them innocent. But rejecting Christ is itself a decision.

Marvelling at the Death of Christ

Finally, we read that Pilate “marvelled” at Christ’s death (Mark 15:44). He wondered how Jesus could already be dead. Crucifixion victims often lingered for days, yet Christ died after six hours.

Why? Because the work was finished.

Christ did not die as a helpless victim. He laid down His life willingly. When sin was fully dealt with, He cried, “It is finished,” bowed His head, and died.

He died with forgiveness on His lips: “Father, forgive them.” He held nothing against those who crucified Him. His death was clear, complete, and sufficient.

Pilate marvelled—but Scripture never tells us that he believed.

From Wonder to Faith

It is possible to marvel at the death of Christ, to admire it, even to be moved by it—yet never accept it personally.

Christ died for the ungodly. He died at exactly the right time. He died so that sins could be forgiven completely and forever.

The question remains: Was His death for you?

To accept the truth that Jesus died for you is to accept Christ Himself. And to accept Christ is to receive God’s salvation.

Do not wrestle any longer. Do not try to wash your hands of Him. Face the truth—and receive the Saviour.