"Were You There?" is more than just a question—it is an invitation to step into the Passion story.

This Lenten reflection asks us to see ourselves among those who witnessed Jesus’ final days, inspired by the African American spiritual Were You There When They Crucified My Lord?

Would we have stood in silent fear like the disciples? Offered quiet devotion like the women at the cross? Or would we, like Pontius Pilate, have struggled between conviction and compromise?

Pilate’s dilemma is one many of us can relate to: the tension between doing what is right and protecting our own interests. As the Roman governor of Judea, he had the power to release Jesus—but when the crowd called for crucifixion, he hesitated. He washed his hands of the decision, believing he could remain neutral. But in doing so, he allowed injustice to prevail.

This Lent, Anglican Overseas Aid and Mothers Union Australia invite you to reflect on the choices that shaped the Passion story. Each week, we’ll explore a key figure who stood at the crossroads of faith, fear, and sacrifice.

Week 1: Pontius Pilate – A Man Torn Between Power and Conviction

📖 Matthew 27:24 – "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!’"

Pontius Pilate was the Roman governor of Judea from 26-36 CE, a leader charged with maintaining order in a politically volatile region. Historical records suggest he was ruthless in his rule, often clashing with Jewish religious customs and enforcing Roman authority with little regard for local traditions.

His political survival depended on appeasing both the Jewish leaders and the Roman Emperor. Accused of being too harsh on the people yet also needing to prevent rebellion, Pilate found himself in a dangerous balancing act. His encounter with Jesus left him uneasy—he found no fault in Him, yet public pressure forced his hand. In the end, he chose pragmatism over justice, sentencing Jesus to death while symbolically washing his hands of responsibility.

Did Pilate’s refusal to alter the sign on Jesus’ cross—"Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews"—suggest lingering doubts? Was he troubled by the verdict he had allowed? His story challenges us to consider how we navigate our own moral dilemmas.

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