March 26

He took water and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, I am innocent of the blood of this just man, see ye to it.—Matthew 27:24.

It is obvious that Pilate sincerely desired to liberate Jesus. But alas! so far was he from having moral courage sufficient to induce him to do right at all hazards, and daring all consequences, he at last gives way, and despite of the manifest innocence of Jesus, his wife's admonitory dream, and his own public declaration, he delivers him up into the ruthless hands of his malignant murderers. Pilate had truth and righteousness on his side, he had also a military force sufficient to have put down the tumultuous mob, yet he so far forgets his honour, and the claims of justice, that he is borne away with the ciamorous demands of the people, and consents to the execution of the innocent Jesus. It is evident that the conscience of Pilate was the seat of extremely violent conflict and agitation. He saw the path of duty, but he feared to walk in it. At last, he took water and before the multitude, washed his hands, as a final symbolical declaration of Christ's innocence, and that he had no part or lot in his death. How important that so high and public a testimony was borne to the falsity of the malignant charges brought against him. Happy for all his disciples, that their Lord was thus cleared by the highest human authority from the slanderous imputations of the Jews. And happy would it have been for Pilate, if the application of water could have freed him from all blame in this matter. In giving up Jesus, he had violated the most powerful appeals of an awakened conscience, and therefore though he had washed his hands for ever he could never have obliterated a single stain. How truly wretched and pitiable was the condition of Pilate. Happy are all those who under all circumstances have moral courage to maintain a conscience void of offence both toward God and man.