Violent Means

Giving in to the demands of rioters is nothing new.

So when Pilate saw that he could do nothing, but rather that a riot was beginning, he took some water and washed his hands before the crowd, saying, ‘I am innocent of this man’s blood; see to it yourselves.’ Then the people as a whole answered, ‘His blood be on us and on our children!’ So he released Barabbas for them; and after flogging Jesus, he handed him over to be crucified. Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the governor’s headquarters, and they gathered the whole cohort around him. They stripped him and put a scarlet robe on him, and after twisting some thorns into a crown, they put it on his head. They put a reed in his right hand and knelt before him and mocked him, saying, ‘Hail, King of the Jews!’ They spat on him, and took the reed and struck him on the head. After mocking him, they stripped him of the robe and put his own clothes on him. Then they led him away to crucify him. - Matthew 27:24-31

Was Pilate weak or just taking the easy way out?

He knew the charge against Jesus was bogus and yet he succumbed to the mob and did as they demanded.  That seems like weak leadership to me.  Maybe he was afraid of Herod who was one of the most ruthless kings of the time.

If I don't appease the crowd, things will get ugly and then there will be hell to pay.

Good leaders do what is right for those they lead, while bad leaders do what is right for themselves, regardless of the benefit or cost to the people.

Jesus taught his followers to be a servant to the people, but does that mean giving in to the mob?

Pilate was afraid the mob would turn violent if their demands weren't met, so he gave in.  That's a win for the mob, but is it the right way to enact change?

People stand on both sides of this issue today.  Even if they want the same outcome, they may disagree on how to go about it.

I happen to think violence is not the answer.  But unfortunately, those who don't see violence as a means to an end don't get much attention, because they are not the threat.

So, violence will win out every time.

More to come...