Perils of populism - Faafitauli o talitonuga e faaeseese ai tagata lautele ma isi i sosaiete

· 3 min read
Perils of populism - Faafitauli o talitonuga e faaeseese ai tagata lautele ma isi i sosaiete
Series The Gospel of Luke
Theme 2. Holy Week continues - Fa'aauauina le vaiaso paia
SeasonLeni
Colour Lanu Efuefu
Special DayAso Tofi Paia (Maundy Thursday)

Scripture Focus: Luka 23:13-25

Pilate called together the chief priests and the rulers and the people, and said to them, “You brought this man to me as one that perverts the people, and see, I have examined him before you, and found no basis for a charge against this man concerning those things of which you accuse him. Neither has Herod, for I sent you to him, and see, nothing worthy of death has been done by him. I will therefore chastise him and release him.” Now he had to release one prisoner to them at the feast. But they all cried out together, saying, “Away with this man! Release to us Barabbas!”— one who was thrown into prison for a certain revolt in the city, and for murder. Then Pilate spoke to them again, wanting to release Jesus, but they shouted, saying, “Crucify! Crucify him!” He said to them the third time, “Why? What evil has this man done? I have found no capital crime in him. I will therefore chastise him and release him.” But they were urgent with loud voices, asking that he might be crucified. Their voices and the voices of the chief priests prevailed. Pilate decreed that what they asked for should be done. He released him who had been thrown into prison for insurrection and murder, for whom they asked, but he delivered Jesus up to their will.
- Luke 23:13-25 (WEB)

Study:

This passage chillingly depicts the dangers of manipulating public opinion. Pilate, recognizing Jesus’ innocence, attempts to release him, even offering a compromise of flogging. However, he buckles under the pressure of the crowd, incited by the chief priests. The people, swayed by rhetoric and potentially motivated by a desire for social or political upheaval (Barabbas was a revolutionary), demand Jesus’ crucifixion despite Pilate’s repeated affirmations of his innocence. This isn't merely a historical event; it's a parable about the perils of populism – when leaders prioritize appeasing the masses over pursuing justice and truth. The ease with which the crowd’s emotions are manipulated highlights the importance of discerning wisdom and resisting the allure of mob mentality. Pilate's repeated questioning, though ultimately ineffective, shows a struggle between conscience and political expediency.

Application:

We live in an age of sophisticated propaganda and readily available misinformation. Like Pilate, we are constantly bombarded with appeals to emotion and pressure to conform to popular opinion. This passage challenges us to critically evaluate the information we consume and to resist the temptation to simply follow the crowd. It reminds us that true leadership requires courage – the courage to stand for truth, even when it’s unpopular. Furthermore, we must be wary of leaders who exploit public sentiment for their own gain, sacrificing justice and integrity in the process. Are we allowing ourselves to be swayed by the loudest voices, or are we seeking God's truth?

Reflection Questions:

  • How easily are you influenced by public opinion?
  • Can you identify instances where you’ve compromised your values to fit in?
  • How can you develop a stronger sense of discernment in a world filled with misinformation?
  • In what ways might Pilate’s failings be relevant to current political or social issues?
  • What does it mean to ‘stand for truth’ even when facing opposition?

Prayer:

Lord, grant us the courage to stand for truth, even when it’s unpopular. Help us to discern wisdom from the noise of the world and to resist the temptation to follow the crowd. Strengthen our commitment to justice and integrity, and may we always seek your will above all else. Amen.

Tags:Luke, Holy Week, Populism, Pilate, Jesus, Crucifixion, Truth, Discipleship, Faith, Justice, Maundy Thursday, Leni