Family Focus 
 
PILATE’S WIFE                 John Butler
 
“When he was set down on the judgment seat, his wife sent unto him, saying, Have thou nothing to do with that just man; for I have suffered many things this day in a dream because of him.” (Matthew 27:19)

PILATE’S wife is spoken of only once in Scripture and what it says of her is a good report. Tradition says she became a convert. Our verse would support that. Here we note her advice, assessment, and affliction.

Her advice, “Have thou nothing to do with that just man.” On the surface, this translation looks like she is telling Pilate to have nothing to do with Jesus Christ. This is what a lot of people are doing. They want nothing to do with Christ. Our land is like that.
 
They do not want to have anything to do with Christ. Our schools are this way, too. But what Pilate’s wife is saying is that Pilate should not have anything to do with the condemnation of Christ. Do not condemn Him. Do not reject Him. This is excellent advice.
 
Christ is not to be rejected. The advice of Pilate’s wife is needed in our land. It is good advice; it is soul saving advice. But most people are like her husband and do not take her advice to heart.

Her assessment. “That just man.” It is significant how many testimonies of the righteous character of Christ were given at the time of the crucifixion. Pilate twice said he found no fault in Christ (Luke 23:4-14). Herod also is said to have found no fault in Christ (Luke 23:15).
 
The centurion observing the scene at Calvary said Christ was a “righteous man.” (Luke 23:47). Here Pilate’s wife said Christ was a “just man.” She was right. He was absolutely sinless.
Her affliction. “I have suffered many things this day in a dream because of him.” Pilate’s wife had a special dream from the Lord.
 
The dream pained her soul. “Many things” indicates the extent of her suffering. It was great. Affliction is oftentimes sent by God to turn us to Him. Affliction can be very painful, but the purpose of affliction is to prevent greater pain. Affliction here prompted Pilate’s wife to intercede on behalf of Christ.
 
Anything that causes us to boldly take a stand for Christ is worth the pain it may cause us.