As I think about all the people in our history who made a difference in our world, they all stood up and took a stand for what was just and right – regardless if others would stand with them.  For example, Martin Luther who started the Reformation in 1517 and Martin Luther King, who stood for justice and human rights.  It takes guts to stand up for what you know in your heart is right and true.  However, peer pressure is a real thing.  Peer pressure is the direct influence on people by your peers.  The influence is so strong that it will cause you to change your mind, your attitude, and your behavior just so that you conform to your peers.  Often, I believe this happens because most of us don’t want to deal with the conflict.  And so, we just go with the flow even though it is not the right thing to do.

In Matthew 27:24-54, Jesus is standing before Pilate and Pilate cannot find anything wrong that Jesus has done.  He doesn’t really want to have Jesus crucified; however, the crowds of people keep saying to him to release Jesus to be crucified.  So, Pilate gives in because he doesn’t want the conflict!  He allowed his peers and the power of the people to persuade him to have Jesus flogged and killed!  He did not have the strength to stand up for Jesus and do the right thing.

It takes guts to stand up for Christ.  It takes strength to stand for justice.  Others will try to persuade us from the Truth.  False prophets will appear, ‘tricking’ you into thinking that they are mightier than Christ.  But, here is the thing…Jesus stood for you!  He went to the cross – sinless and the power to come to down from that cross.  But, he didn’t.  He allowed them to flog him, beat him, spit at him, and say horrible things about him.  Jesus took the stand on your behalf.  Will you do it for him?

Let us pray, Gracious God, give us the guts to stand for our Lord and Savior when we are faced with adversary. Help us to see and know the Truth and take a stand for what is right and just.  We love you so much. Amen.