Just a Thought: Passing up on our own responsibility does not resolve us of that responsibility. Some people think if they pass on their responsibility then they have no ownership in how things turn out. Pilate found out this wasn’t true the hard way. He was responsible to hear the case and decide what to do with Jesus. Passing this responsibility on to the angry crowd did not resolve him of the guilt of sending Jesus to the cross. We cannot sidestep our responsibility in deciding what to do with Jesus either. Trying to pass off our responsibility does not work. The Lord will hold us (as He did Pilate) responsible for our decision. Pilate washed his hands, declared Jesus innocent and then attempted to sidestep his responsibility. “When Pilate saw that he was getting nowhere, but that instead an uproar was starting, he took water and washed his hands in front of the crowd. “I am innocent of this man’s blood,” he said. “It is your responsibility!” (Matt 27:24) Pilate indeed did have ownership in what happened next. Jesus went to the cross based on his decision. It was Pilate’s actions to walk away from his responsibility. It was Pilates actions to wash his hands of the matter. It was Pilates’ decision to turn his responsibility over to the crowd. All of these things did not resolve Pilate of responsibility but instead made him directly responsible! If a matter is our responsibility, we are to take it up and deal with it to the best of our ability. To try and pass it off only makes us directly responsible for what happens next. Are there things you are responsible for that you have been passing off to others? Have you been sidestepping things you are responsible for? Passing up on our own responsibility does not resolve us of that responsibility. But passing up on our responsibilities can make things worse for us and others. Take responsibility. Do your job. Own your decisions and actions and stop trying to pass the buck. Because ultimately you are responsible whether you take responsibility or not. If God has given you responsibility, seek His wisdom and handle your responsibility with care and do it to the glory of God. Thank you Lord for the responsibilities You have entrusted to me. Let me always seek Your wisdom and understanding in each decision. And may I take every responsibility serious and use it for an opportunity to bring You glory. In Jesus name, amen.
