What Shall I Do With Jesus Who Is Called the Christ?
Learning Objectives
Explain how Old Testament prophecy pointed to the suffering, humility, kingship, and universal reign of Christ.
Show that the crucifixion of Jesus fulfilled God’s revealed plan, not an accident of history.
Examine what Judas, Pilate, the Jews, and sinners today did or must do with Jesus.
Warn against betrayal, cowardice, crowd-pleasing, and rejection of Christ.
Call every hearer to answer Pilate’s question personally: “What shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ?”
Urge sinners and unfaithful Christians to obey Christ before judgment makes the answer final.
Thesis
Every soul must answer Pilate’s question: “What shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ?” Judas betrayed Him, Pilate surrendered Him, the Jews crucified Him, but we must receive, obey, and serve Him as Lord.
Introduction.
Matthew 27:22 asks one of the most serious questions ever spoken by human lips.
Pilate asked, “Then what shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ?”
He asked it in weakness.
He asked it before a hostile crowd.
He asked it while the innocent Son of God stood before him.
That question did not belong to Pilate alone.
Judas had to answer it.
The Jewish rulers had to answer it.
The crowd had to answer it.
Every sinner has to answer it.
Every Christian has to answer it.
The question is not merely historical.
It is personal.
It is spiritual.
It is eternal.
Before we examine the people around the cross, we must remember that the death of Christ was not a surprise to God.
The prophets had spoken of the Messiah.
The suffering had been foretold.
The kingdom had been promised.
The cross was not defeat; it was the fulfillment of God’s plan.
The issue today is plain.
What will Judas do with Jesus?
What will Pilate do with Jesus?
What will the Jews do with Jesus?
What will you do with Jesus who is called the Christ?
I. The Prophets Foretold the Christ Who Would Come.
Zechariah foretold the King.
Zechariah 9:9 presents the coming King as humble.
He would not come like a proud tyrant.
He would not come with worldly arrogance.
He would come lowly and righteous.
The King would come in peace.
Zechariah 9:10 speaks of war being cut off.
His kingdom would not advance by carnal weapons.
His rule would be a kingdom of peace.
His kingdom would be universal.
Zechariah pointed beyond a local throne.
The Messiah’s dominion would reach beyond Israel’s borders.
His reign would concern all nations.
Isaiah foretold the suffering Servant.
Isaiah 53 presents the Messiah as rejected.
He would not be admired by the world as He deserved.
He would be despised.
He would be treated as though He were nothing.
Isaiah 53 presents the Messiah as suffering for others.
He would bear wounds connected to our sins.
He would suffer because of our rebellion.
He would carry what we deserved.
Isaiah 53 presents the Messiah as innocent.
He was not suffering for His own guilt.
He was not dying because He had sinned.
He was suffering as the righteous Servant for the unrighteous.
The New Testament records the fulfillment.
The prophecies about Christ were fulfilled in the New Testament.
His humble entrance was fulfilled.
His rejection was fulfilled.
His suffering was fulfilled.
His death was fulfilled.
His resurrection was fulfilled.
None of these prophecies were loose guesses.
God knew what men would do.
God revealed what would happen.
God accomplished salvation through the death and resurrection of His Son.
The crucifixion was not proof that Jesus failed.
It was proof that Scripture was true.
It was proof that God keeps His word.
It was proof that man’s wickedness cannot overthrow God’s plan.
II. Judas Betrayed Jesus Who Is Called the Christ.
Judas had every opportunity to know better.
Judas was one of the twelve apostles.
He walked with Jesus.
He heard the teaching of Jesus.
He saw the compassion of Jesus.
He witnessed the miracles of Jesus.
Judas was not ignorant of Christ’s character.
He saw Jesus heal the sick.
He saw Jesus show mercy.
He saw Jesus rebuke sin.
He saw Jesus serve the weak.
Judas had a Teacher unlike any other.
His Teacher was not merely a rabbi.
His Teacher was the Son of God.
His Teacher was the Christ.
Judas let bitterness and greed master his heart.
Matthew 26 records the woman who anointed Jesus.
She poured costly ointment upon Him.
Others saw waste.
Jesus saw an act of love and preparation.
Judas objected to the use of the costly ointment.
He spoke as though he cared for the poor.
His heart was not clean.
His complaint exposed a spiritual problem.
Jesus defended the woman and rebuked the wrong thinking.
Judas did not receive the correction humbly.
He allowed the rebuke to harden him.
A man who refuses correction is already walking toward disaster.
Judas sold Jesus.
Matthew 26:14–16 records Judas going to the chief priests.
He went looking for a deal.
He asked what they would give him.
He agreed to betray Jesus for silver.
The price was shameful.
Jesus was treated like merchandise.
Jesus was valued as though He were cheap.
The Lord of glory was sold by a man who had eaten with Him.
Judas watched for an opportunity to betray Him.
Sin plans.
Greed calculates.
A corrupt heart waits for the moment to act.
Judas betrayed Jesus with a kiss.
Matthew 26:47–56 records the betrayal.
Judas came with a crowd.
They came with swords and clubs.
They came as though Jesus were a criminal.
Judas greeted Jesus as Rabbi.
His words sounded respectful.
His action was treacherous.
A religious word can hide a wicked heart.
Judas used a kiss as the signal.
A sign of affection became a weapon of betrayal.
He came near with his body while his heart was far from Christ.
That is hypocrisy in its ugliest form.
Judas’ answer was betrayal.
Judas answered Pilate’s question before Pilate ever asked it.
What will you do with Jesus?
Judas answered, “I will sell Him.”
Judas answered, “I will betray Him.”
Judas later felt guilt.
He knew he had betrayed innocent blood.
He felt remorse.
But remorse is not the same as repentance.
Judas could have repented.
Peter sinned grievously and returned.
Judas despaired and destroyed himself.
His tragedy warns every soul not to confuse sorrow with obedient repentance.
III. Pilate Surrendered Jesus Who Is Called the Christ.
Pilate knew Jesus was not guilty.
Matthew 27:11–14 shows Jesus before Pilate.
The accusations were brought.
Jesus did not answer like a desperate criminal.
Pilate marveled at Him.
Pilate had authority in the civil trial.
He could release Jesus.
He could condemn Jesus.
He could resist the mob.
Pilate saw through the motives of the Jewish leaders.
He knew envy was involved.
He knew this was not honest justice.
He knew Jesus was not worthy of death.
Pilate tried to escape responsibility.
Pilate appealed to the custom of releasing a prisoner.
Barabbas was offered.
Jesus was offered.
The choice exposed the hearts of the people.
The crowd chose Barabbas.
They preferred a guilty man over the innocent Christ.
They chose a rebel instead of the Redeemer.
Sin often prefers the man who looks like itself.
Pilate tried to shift the burden back to the crowd.
He asked what he should do with Jesus.
He heard them demand crucifixion.
He knew their demand was unjust.
Pilate washed his hands but not his guilt.
Pilate took water and washed his hands before the crowd.
He wanted to appear innocent.
He wanted distance from the decision.
He wanted the crowd to carry the blame.
Washing hands did not cleanse his conscience.
Water cannot remove moral cowardice.
Ceremony cannot erase injustice.
A public gesture cannot cancel personal responsibility.
Pilate still delivered Jesus to be crucified.
He did not do what was right.
He did what was politically convenient.
He surrendered truth to pressure.
Pilate’s answer was cowardice.
Pilate answered the question by pleasing the crowd.
He knew better.
He had authority.
He still gave in.
Pilate reminds us that neutrality toward Christ is a lie.
He tried to stand between innocence and guilt.
He tried to wash away responsibility.
He still handed Jesus over.
Many do the same today.
They know Christ is right.
They know the gospel is true.
They know sin must be forsaken.
But they fear family, friends, reputation, or the crowd.
IV. The Jews Crucified Jesus Who Is Called the Christ.
The Jewish rulers rejected the Messiah.
They had the Scriptures.
They had the prophets.
They had the promises.
They should have recognized Christ.
They saw His works.
They saw evidence of divine power.
They saw His authority over sickness, demons, sin, and death.
They still hardened their hearts.
They rejected Him because He did not fit their desires.
They wanted control.
They wanted their status protected.
They did not want a Messiah who exposed their sin.
The crowd cried for His crucifixion.
They demanded His death.
Not correction.
Not investigation.
Not justice.
Death.
They chose Barabbas instead.
The innocent was rejected.
The guilty was released.
The substitute principle is seen in dark form.
They treated Jesus as the enemy.
The One who came to save was condemned.
The One who healed was wounded.
The One who spoke truth was mocked.
Jesus was cruelly crucified.
Crucifixion was shameful.
It was designed to humiliate.
It exposed the victim publicly.
It declared contempt.
Crucifixion was painful.
The body was torn.
The suffering was prolonged.
The death was agonizing.
Crucifixion was unjust in the case of Jesus.
He had committed no sin.
He had harmed no soul.
He was the innocent Lamb of God.
Their answer was rejection.
They could have believed.
They could have confessed Him.
They could have received their King.
They could have obeyed His word.
Instead, they murdered innocent blood.
They rejected the Christ.
They chose darkness over light.
They stood against the very One Moses and the prophets had announced.
Yet even for them, mercy was later preached.
Acts 2 shows Peter preaching to people who shared guilt in the crucifixion.
They were cut to the heart.
They were told to repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins.
The blood they had demanded could still cleanse them if they obeyed the gospel.
V. What Will You Do With Jesus Who Is Called the Christ?
You cannot avoid the question.
Pilate asked it publicly.
But every person must answer it personally.
You cannot hand your answer to your parents.
You cannot hand your answer to the preacher.
You cannot hand your answer to the church.
Silence is an answer.
Refusal is an answer.
Delay is an answer.
Indifference is an answer.
Jesus will not disappear because a man avoids Him.
The question remains.
The truth remains.
Judgment remains.
Some betray Him like Judas.
They know the truth but sell out.
For money.
For pleasure.
For reputation.
For acceptance.
They stay close to religious things while their hearts belong elsewhere.
They know the language.
They know the songs.
They know the routine.
But they have already made their deal with sin.
Betrayal does not always begin with a dramatic act.
It may begin with resentment.
It may begin with secret greed.
It may begin with refusing correction.
It may begin with loving something more than Christ.
Some surrender Him like Pilate.
They know Jesus is right.
They know the gospel is true.
They know obedience is required.
They know the church belongs to Christ.
But they fear the crowd.
Family pressure.
Social pressure.
Religious pressure.
Cultural pressure.
They try to wash their hands.
“I do not want to get involved.”
“I do not want controversy.”
“I know what the Bible says, but…”
Such words do not remove responsibility.
Some reject Him like the hostile crowd.
They hear the word and resist it.
They do not want Christ’s authority.
They do not want repentance.
They do not want the narrow way.
They prefer their own Barabbas.
Their sin.
Their tradition.
Their pride.
Their false religion.
Their self-rule.
They cry “crucify” in practice, even if not in words.
When they reject His commands.
When they despise His church.
When they refuse His gospel.
When they choose sin over the Savior.
Some obey Him as Lord.
This is the right answer.
Not betrayal.
Not cowardice.
Not rejection.
Obedient faith.
Jesus died because of love.
He was not forced by weakness.
He gave Himself.
He went to the cross for sinners.
The proper response is surrender to Christ.
Hear Him.
Believe Him.
Repent of sin.
Confess Him.
Be baptized for the forgiveness of sins.
Live faithfully under His authority.
VI. The Cross Demands a Decision.
Jesus died for our sins.
He did not die because He was guilty.
We were guilty.
We had sinned.
We needed redemption.
He did not die because men had more power than God.
Men acted wickedly.
God fulfilled His plan.
The cross shows both human sin and divine mercy.
He died because He loved us.
Love brought Him from heaven.
Love moved Him through humiliation.
Love held Him to the saving work.
To reject Christ is to remain in sin.
No other Savior exists.
Not Judas’ silver.
Not Pilate’s politics.
Not the crowd’s approval.
Not human religion.
A man cannot be saved while refusing the Christ.
Jesus is not optional.
His gospel is not optional.
His authority is not optional.
To reject the remedy is to keep the disease.
Sin remains.
Guilt remains.
Judgment remains.
To obey Christ is to receive mercy.
Acts 2 shows guilty people being offered forgiveness.
They had been wrong about Jesus.
They were cut to the heart.
They asked what to do.
God’s answer was repentance and baptism in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins.
The gospel is not merely information.
It must be believed.
It must be obeyed.
It must change the sinner’s standing before God and his walk before men.
The blood of Christ can cleanse the guilty.
It can cleanse the betrayer who repents.
It can cleanse the coward who turns.
It can cleanse the rebel who submits.
It can cleanse you.
Application.
Do not answer like Judas.
Do not sell Christ for temporary gain.
Do not hide greed, bitterness, or hypocrisy under religious language.
Do not confuse remorse with repentance.
Do not answer like Pilate.
Do not let the crowd decide your soul.
Do not wash your hands while refusing to do right.
Do not call yourself neutral when Christ demands obedience.
Do not answer like the hostile crowd.
Do not choose sin over the Savior.
Do not reject the One who died for you.
Do not demand freedom for Barabbas while crucifying Christ in your life.
Answer like a sinner who knows he needs mercy.
Be cut to the heart.
Ask what God requires.
Obey the gospel.
Answer like a Christian who belongs to Christ.
Be faithful.
Be unashamed.
Do not betray Him by your life after confessing Him with your mouth.
Conclusion.
Pilate’s question still stands.
“What shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ?”
That question will not go away.
That question follows every soul to judgment.
Judas answered it.
He betrayed Him.
He sold Him.
He perished in despair.
Pilate answered it.
He surrendered Him.
He washed his hands.
He still bore responsibility.
The Jews answered it.
They rejected Him.
They crucified Him.
Yet mercy was preached to those who would repent.
Now you must answer it.
Not later.
Not when life is easier.
Not when the crowd approves.
Today.
It will be a sad day at judgment if your answer today is rejection.
Christ will judge.
His word will stand.
Your answer will matter forever.
Invitation.
Hear the word.
Romans 10:17 says faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.
Believe Christ.
John 8:24 warns that unless you believe that Jesus is He, you will die in your sins.
Repent.
Acts 17:30 says God commands all people everywhere to repent.
Confess Christ.
Romans 10:9–10 teaches confession with the mouth and belief in the heart.
Be baptized for the remission of sins.
Acts 2:38 commands repentance and baptism in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins.
Live faithfully.
Revelation 2:10 calls the Christian to be faithful until death.
Word Study.
| Word | Original | Meaning | Use in Text |
|---|---|---|---|
| Judgment | κρίσις / krisis | Judgment, decision, condemnation. | Centers the sermon on accountability before God. |
| Judge | κρίνω / krinō | To judge, decide, render verdict. | Shows God will render righteous judgment. |
| Resurrection | ἀνάστασις / anastasis | Rising up, resurrection. | Connects death with the coming resurrection. |
| Account | λόγος / logos | Account, word, reckoning. | Shows every person must answer before God. |
| Eternal | αἰώνιος / aiōnios | Age-lasting, eternal. | Stresses the permanent result of judgment. |
| Obedience | ὑπακοή / hypakoē | Submissive hearing, obedience. | Connects hearing God’s word with doing what He commands. |
|---|---|---|---| | Judgment | κρίσις / krisis | Judgment, decision, condemnation. | Centers the sermon on accountability before God. | | Judge | κρίνω / krinō | To judge, decide, render verdict. | Shows God will render righteous judgment. | | Resurrection | ἀνάστασις / anastasis | Rising up, resurrection. | Connects death with the coming resurrection. | | Account | λόγος / logos | Account, word, reckoning. | Shows every person must answer before God. | | Eternal | αἰώνιος / aiōnios | Age-lasting, eternal. | Stresses the permanent result of judgment. | | Obedience | ὑπακοή / hypakoē | Submissive hearing, obedience. | Connects hearing God’s word with doing what He commands. |
Scripture Interlock Table.
| Testament | Reference | Original Context | Connection to Main Text | Doctrinal Use | Sermon / Teaching Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Old Testament | Genesis 1:1 | God is revealed as Creator. | Establishes God’s authority over man. | Shows that man answers to God. | Useful for grounding the lesson in divine authority. |
| Old Testament | Psalm 119:105 | God’s word guides His people. | Shows Scripture as the rule of faith and conduct. | Supports Bible-based application. | Useful for calling hearers back to the word. |
| Old Testament | Ecclesiastes 12:13–14 | Man’s whole duty is to fear God and keep His commandments. | Connects obedience with final accountability. | Supports the need to obey God. | Useful in conclusion and invitation. |
| New Testament | Matthew 7:21–23 | Jesus warns that not all religious people will enter the kingdom. | Shows the need to do the Father’s will. | Refutes empty profession. | Useful for pressing obedience. |
| New Testament | Romans 10:17 | Faith comes by hearing the word of Christ. | Shows how saving faith begins. | Supports the invitation. | Useful for gospel response. |
| New Testament | Acts 2:38 | Peter commands repentance and baptism for forgiveness of sins. | Shows the apostolic answer to convicted sinners. | Supports baptism for remission of sins. | Useful in invitation. |
| New Testament | Revelation 2:10 | Christians are called to be faithful until death. | Shows the need for endurance. | Supports faithful Christian living. | Useful for closing exhortation. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---| | Old Testament | Genesis 1:1 | God is revealed as Creator. | Establishes God’s authority over man. | Shows that man answers to God. | Useful for grounding the lesson in divine authority. | | Old Testament | Psalm 119:105 | God’s word guides His people. | Shows Scripture as the rule of faith and conduct. | Supports Bible-based application. | Useful for calling hearers back to the word. | | Old Testament | Ecclesiastes 12:13–14 | Man’s whole duty is to fear God and keep His commandments. | Connects obedience with final accountability. | Supports the need to obey God. | Useful in conclusion and invitation. | | New Testament | Matthew 7:21–23 | Jesus warns that not all religious people will enter the kingdom. | Shows the need to do the Father’s will. | Refutes empty profession. | Useful for pressing obedience. | | New Testament | Romans 10:17 | Faith comes by hearing the word of Christ. | Shows how saving faith begins. | Supports the invitation. | Useful for gospel response. | | New Testament | Acts 2:38 | Peter commands repentance and baptism for forgiveness of sins. | Shows the apostolic answer to convicted sinners. | Supports baptism for remission of sins. | Useful in invitation. | | New Testament | Revelation 2:10 | Christians are called to be faithful until death. | Shows the need for endurance. | Supports faithful Christian living. | Useful for closing exhortation. |
