Thank you for joining us in worship as examine Matt 27.11-26 and Luke 23.4-24 from the subject, An Unworthy Leader. If you are a Christian, you are called to lead in some capacity! Let us examine four traits of an unworthy leader.

1. An unworthy leader is driven by fear. Luke 23.4,5,14, 20-24
Pilate had no moral courage. He was unprincipled and selfish. For Pilate, it was not about Jesus and Jews, it was about him, his reputation. Liz Cheney took a stand to do the right thing versus fear of losing a position... a real leader! Pilate knew that Jesus was innocent! Pilate was driven by fear and allowed the crowd to lead him.

2. An unworthy leader tries to pass the buck. Luke 23.6-7
When the decision is easy some leaders will gladly decide. When the decision is difficult or unpopular these same leaders will try to pass the buck! Pilate had the job to decide the fate of Jesus, but he passed the buck to Herod. The buck stops with the leader! As Christians and leaders, we cannot pass the buck when we are called to make tough decisions.

3. An unworthy leader will compromise their integrity. Matt 27. 17-23
Pilate knew that Jesus was INNOCENT! Pilate's wife knew Jesus was INNOCENT! Pilate lacked integrity, lacked a firm foundation! Certain things are non-negotiable!!! Pilate compromised his integrity! Pilate lacked character! How many of you are willing to follow somebody that you can't trust? How many of you compromise your integrity to persecute an innocent person, group of people, or even a family member?

4. An unworthy leader will not take responsibility. Matt 27. 24-26
Pilate makes a decision about Jesus, but then turns his back and says, he is not responsible. He has the audacity to wash his hands and say he is innocent for sending an innocent Man to be crucified! Did Pilate's excuse, excuse him in the eyes of God?

Pilate was driven by fear. He tried to pass the buck. He compromised his integrity. He then shrunk from his responsibility. Christian Friends let us do our part. God has called us to lead effectively by learning from Jesus and by being led by the Holy Spirit! Jesus is calling ALL to choose Him as their personal Savior, LORD, and Master!