SUMMARY: Peer pressure
OVERVIEW: The chief priests and elders persuaded the crowd to have Jesus executed. Pilate also gave in to the group’s demand, despite recognizing Jesus’ innocence.
BIG IDEA: Be persuaded by one voice only — the voice of God.
KEY VERSE: Matthew 27:19–20 (Jesus on trial)
While Pilate was sitting on the judge’s seat, his wife sent him this message: “Don’t have anything to do with that innocent man, for I have suffered a great deal today in a dream because of him.” But the chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowd to ask for Barabbas and to have Jesus executed.
IF GOD WROTE YOU A LETTER
It is not convenient to follow me. It is much easier to play along with religion, to fit in with the crowd, to walk the familiar roads to a standard future. But you want more than that, and so you must decide. Are you going to follow me or not? Are you willing to give up all I have for you? Refusing to make up your mind is still a decision.
Don’t give up the saving, life-changing, purpose-filled power I have for you. Others want you to settle for a dull, ordinary, shallow life because that is what they have. They don’t want to see you soar, and they won’t surrender their lives to me. I can give you more. I can provide the courage to follow me and transform it into something new, different and eternal. It may not be popular to go with me, but I’ve created you to make a difference, so come follow me.
NEXT STEP
Think of a time when you decided to follow Jesus, yet it upset someone in your life. Despite the tension your decision caused, what did God accomplish through your obedience?
VIDEO CLIP
“Friends on Monday” from The Breakfast Club
BONUS Lyric Video