The Sins of Pilate

Many things could be said in connection with Pontius Pilate, yet there is one act for which he will forever be notorious. The Bible records that “when Pilate saw that he could not prevail at all, but rather that a tumult was rising, he took water and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, ‘I am innocent of the blood of this just Person’” (Matthew 27:24). In this one infamous act Pilate tried to free himself of the blood of Christ and the responsibility of his actions.

In considering this passage, I couldn’t help but think of the irony of Pilate’s actions, especially when compared to another, more powerful, washing described in scripture; baptism.

While it is true that both involve water (albeit in different amounts since “baptism” literally means “immersion and Pilate merely washed his hands) and both involve an individual seeking freedom from the guilt of his actions, it is here where the similarity ends. For by washing his hands Pilate was trying to take care of his own problem via his own power. He thought the only way to free himself and bring an end to the matter was to distance himself from Jesus. However the Bible teaches that to find freedom from the sin and the guilt of our actions one must draw near to Jesus.

In Hebrews chapter 10 the writer discusses the removal of sin, showing how it is “not possible that the blood of bulls and goats could take away sins” (10:4). It is only through the sacrifice of Jesus (10:19) that one may draw near unto God and rid himself of an “evil conscience” (guilty conscience, NIV, 10:22). Pilate only washed the dirt off of his hands, but baptism “saves” because it is more than the “removal of the filth of the flesh” it is “the answer of a good conscience toward God through the resurrection of Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 3:21; c.f. Acts 22:16; Acts 2:38; Romans 6:3, 6).

Pilate washed to signify the end of his association with Jesus of Nazareth, but the Bible writers show baptism to be the beginning of a relationship with Him. Paul wrote, “For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ” (Galatians 3:26-27). “Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life” (Romans 6:3-4). According to passages such as these, baptism is all about Jesus. In baptism we die with Him, we are buried with Him, we are raised with Him, and united with Him. In baptism the old person dies and a new life begins. We wash, not to end, but to begin our association with Him. Only in Him one can we discover a new birth (John 3:3-5) and a new beginning  (2 Corinthians 5:17).

Pilate washed to show he was not responsible for what would happen to Jesus; whereas in baptism all must take responsibility. “Repent and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins” (Acts 2:38). On the day of Pentecost Peter taught those listening that before they could enjoy the blessings of baptism (i.e. have their sins remitted) they had to repent. Pilate wanted to place the guilt on others. He said, “I am innocent” (Matthew 27:24), yet Pilate was not innocent. And the fact remains, neither are we. “All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23) and “the wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23). Our sin put Jesus on the Cross just as surely as did the sins of Pilate. No matter how often we wash our hands that guilt remains unless we turn to Jesus.  There is one who can wash “us from our sins in His own blood” (Revelation 1:5). How will you respond to Jesus? 


- Josh Allen (Pikeville, KY)