Did Pontius Pilate Have a Choice?

[Mat 27:24 KJV] "When Pilate saw that he could prevail nothing, but that rather a tumult was made, he took water, and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, I am innocent of the blood of this just person: see ye to it."

Pilate believed Jesus was innocent. Did he have a choice? Should he have freed Jesus? Our minds scream "Yes, he could have stopped the crucifixion," but we need to look at what the Father wanted.

[Mar 14:36] "And he said, Abba, Father, all things are possible unto thee; take away this cup from me: nevertheless not what I will, but what thou wilt."

 

While Jesus was being tortured physically, spiritually, and emotionally, He asked the Father to take away the suffering if it was His will.

 

[Mar 15:25 KJV]  "And it was the third hour, and they crucified him."

 

As we see in Mark 15:25, it was not His will. If Jesus Christ had not died for us, our sins would not have been forgiven.

 

[John 3:16]  "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son; that whosoever believeth on Him shall not perish but have everlasting life."

 

That was the whole purpose of God the Son coming down to earth as a man. He suffered for us because He loves us so much! Therefore, Pilate's choice was right and was the plan of God.