Have you ever felt the tension of wanting to do what’s right… but also wanting to be accepted?

In Mark 15:1–15, we see Pontius Pilate caught in that exact struggle. Faced with the truth about Jesus, Pilate chooses to please the crowd instead; releasing a guilty man and sending an innocent Savior to the cross. In week 44 of our journey through the Gospel of Mark, Pastor Dustin Aagaard walks through this powerful moment and exposes a question we all have to answer: will we live for the approval of people, or in surrender to Jesus?

Jesus had done nothing wrong, He willingly took our place, because we could never save ourselves. His sacrifice invites us into a different way of living: one where faith is greater than fear, and obedience matters more than approval.

Following Jesus doesn’t always feel easy, but it leads to a deeper peace than people-pleasing ever could. So where are you still trying to gain approval instead of trusting Him? And what would it look like to fully depend on Jesus in that area of your life?

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If this message encouraged you, share it with someone who needs it. Join us at a Cross Point location across Middle Tennessee this weekend: https://crosspoint.tv/locations