St. Paul Lutheran Church
Pastor: Rev. Neil Wehmas | Tel: 712-364-2918 | Fax: 712-364-3038
100 7th Street
Ida Grove, Iowa 51445
Lutheran Church Missouri Synod

Pastor's Desk

Suffered Under Pontius Pilate

By Pastor Neil Wehmas

            There are much that is confessed within the words of the Apostles’ Creed.  Amongst its one hundred and fifteen words, we will focus upon just four of them during the Lenten season.  “Suffered Under Pontius Pilate” are those words.

            Why are these words included?  Why mention Pontius Pilate and not Caiaphas or someone else?  Why are these words important?  Why do some church bodies struggle with or even reject these words?

            It is quite easy to turn Christianity into a sort of fairy tale or help me feel good type story.  It is easy to make whether or not Jesus is true God and true Man a matter of opinion.  Much of our culture treats being a Christian the same way the treat being a fan of specific sports team.  It is just part of one’s personality, it appears.

            “Suffered under Pontius Pilate” are words that confess that Jesus is more than opinion or personality.  It confesses that Jesus Christ is a man of history.  Pontius Pilate is a well-documented figure in the history of the Roman Empire.  His inclusion declares that this real life person was intimately involved with Jesus’ death by crucifixion.  This declares that Jesus is also a real, historical figure.  It declares that Jesus suffered, died, buried, and rose from the dead in history.  It is not a matter of opinion, but of fact.

            During our Lenten series Suffered Under Pontius Pilate we will explore the historicity of Jesus of Nazareth who was crucified under the jurisdiction of Pontius Pilate.  Each week, we will explore various scriptural passages that point to this history.  We will also consider texts outside of the Bible that verify these details.

            As C. S. Lewis said, “Christianity, if false, is of no importance, and if true, of infinite importance.  The only thing it cannot be is moderately important.”  Through the Lenten season, leading right up to Easter, we will explore and see that indeed Christianity is historical, factual, and true. 

            The Suffered Under Pontius Pilate series will begin with Ash Wednesday Divine Worship w/Communion and imposition of ashes on Wednesday, February 14th, at 7:00pm

 

Ash Wednesday Imposition of Ashes also available on February 14 at 7:00am9:30am and 10:30-1:00pm im the chapel at the church

No appointment necessary and also Imposition of Ashes at Golden Horizons at 2:00pm

 

Last Updated: 2/13/2024