THE DECISION DILEMMA
Luke 23:1-25

Introduction:      Decisions are made every day yet the most important of decisions to be made is what will you do with Jesus? When faced with a decision about Jesus what did Pilot do?

I.           DISMISSES THE DECISION (VV.1-5)
There are some here today like this. You did not come to make a decision today.

            A.        It’s No Big Deal

·         Choosing not to choose is a choice!

·         Don’t get so worked up preacher, it’s no big deal! No, it’s just hell or hell!          

B.         He’s Just A Man

·         “We found this fellow” – to most people that’s all He is; just a man.

·         Expound on the lies.

·         If Jesus is just a “fellow” then there is no decision to make today. But, if He is…

·         Verse 4 is not a decision – it is an opinion. (Illus: drawing a line in the sand today and no one leaves this church in neutral).

II.         DEFERS THE DECISION (VV.6-11)
Passing the decision that only you can make to another.

            A.        Putting It Off (vv.6-7)

·         Political move – Galilee was in Herod’s jurisdiction.

·         Peace for the moment, but not for long.

            B.         Comes Back Again (you must be born again) (vv.8-11)

·         Herod treats Jesus as if He were a clown or magician.

·         The decision you defer today will return again tomorrow. (Illus: I’m not ready to make a decision for Jesus today – why not? (decisions we make in an instant every day) why not decide I’m not going to put it off any longer and settle it today!)

III.       DISCUSSES THE DECISION (VV.12-25)
The devil will always try to talk you into making the wrong decision.

            A.        Reasoning With The Devil (vv.13-16)

·         Substitute something else for Jesus - “Chastise and release him”

·         Question: Have you every received Jesus as Savior? Answer: I’ve been baptized etc.

·         (Illus: you cannot win an argument with the devil – “I’ll beat him and let him go – will that satisfy you people?” No, only death will suffice. The devil’s not going to be happy unless you go to hell.

            B.         Jesus Is The Only Substitution

·         Here’s your choice: Barabbas the murderer or Jesus the Messiah?

·         The devil will always try to talk you into the wrong choice.

·         (Illus: the picture of Barabbas) I’m going free because Jesus took my place.

Conclusion:       (Illus: Pilot is in hell still washing his hands because he was indecisive).