“When [Pilate] was set down on the judgment seat, his wife sent unto him, saying, Have thou nothing to do with that just man: for I have suffered many things this day in a dream because of him.”
Matthew 27:19
Matthew includes an interesting detail neglected by the other Gospel writers. As today’s verse passage indicates, the wife of the Roman governor had received a dream that so disturbed her that she sent word to her husband. Apparently, it was revealed to her that Jesus was a just man who ought not to be condemned. The narrative is as intriguing as it is mysterious. What was the content of this dream? Was there a supernatural element to it? If so, how can spiritual entities influence a person’s sleeping thought life? Why was Pilate’s wife given the dream and not Pilate himself? In any case, Pilate’s wife was convinced that, to one extent or another, the wrongful conviction of Jesus would spell disaster for those responsible. We understand the intent of her words to Pilate; they were meant to persuade him to release the carpenter from Nazareth. The words themselves, however, express an utterly impossible petition. “Have thou nothing to do with that just man.” No human being will ever accomplish such a thing. We are His image-bearers on the earth, held in existence moment-by-moment by the word of His power (Hebrews 1:3; Colossians 1:17). He is in constant contact with us, revealing Himself immediately to our “heart of hearts” (Romans 1:18-20). At the same time, He is imparting knowledge and wisdom to what would otherwise be hopelessly darkened intellects (Job 35:11; 38:36; Psalm 94:9-10; Romans 3:9-20). Sooner or later, all will appear before Him to give an account. Paul declared that God “hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead” (Acts 17:31). Having nothing to do with that just Man is clearly out of the question. Those who attempt to do so will be more than disappointed; they will be utterly devastated. For those of us who love and trust the Lord, who strive to walk in His ways, this is a glorious reality indeed. He who searches our hearts (Revelation 2:23) and knows our struggles (Hebrews 4:15), will reward us opening for our faithfulness to Him (Matthew 10:41-42; Luke 14:14; 1 Corinthians 3:11-15; 15:58; Galatians 6:9). May we be continually grateful to the Lord Who purchased us with His own blood (Acts 20:28) and who called us to believe in Him to the saving of our souls. May we rejoice always in His promises never to leave us or forsake us (Matthew 28:20; Hebrews 13:5). Praise the Lord for His faithful, abiding presence in our lives!
God bless,
Pastor John
English