Standing Firm In Faith
BRD REFLECTION 2025
Luke 23:1-25 and Psalm 37: 21-40 (NIV)
(Daniel Tong from Small Group Ministry)
READ:
Luke 23:1-25 focuses on Pilate’s responses as the people brought Jesus before him, accusing him of subverting Roman authority. It reflects the rejection of Jesus by the people at that time and highlights Pilates’s failure to stand up for justice as seen in verses 22-23, even when he knew Jesus was innocent.
“22For the third time he spoke to them: “Why? What crime has this man committed? I have found in him no grounds for the death penalty. Therefore I will have him punished and then release him”
“23But with loud shouts they insistently demanded that he be crucified, and their shouts prevailed.”
“24So Pilate decided to grant their demand.”
OBSERVE:
Pilate compromised his faith in the face of pressure from the people even though he knew that Jesus wasn’t guilty and he had spoken with the crowd at least three times. He even sought the counsel of Herod, who was at that time his enemy but after this episode with Jesus, he too could not find Jesus guilty. This was in spite of the fact that Jesus did not seem to be actively defending Himself.
APPLY:
I am reminded that there are moments when the pressure at the workplace—or even in serving within the church—can feel overwhelming. It is often most intense when I am called to make decisions that run counter to the prevailing popular sentiments. In those times, I find myself wrestling with the temptation to choose the path of least resistance, simply to avoid negative feedback, criticism, or complaints.
Yet the Lord gently calls me back to His truth: my measure of success is not in pleasing people but in honouring Him. As Paul exhorts in 1 Corinthians 16:13, “Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.” Standing firm is rarely comfortable. It may mean misunderstandings, lonely moments, or even opposition. But it also means walking in obedience to God, which brings lasting peace and joy that human approval can never match.
DO:
I want to stand firm at all times in doing what is right in the eyes of God and not what is popular to please man.
PRAY:
Dear Lord, it is easy to be swayed by the loud voices of people around me rather than uphold what is true. Grant me, gracious Lord, the courage and strength to stand firm in my faith with the knowledge that You are here with me always. In Jesus’ most precious and Holy name. Amen.
