It is the rare person who takes advantage of opportunities, rather than letting them slip by. Consider, for example, the Roman governor Pontius Pilate back in the first century of our Common Era. A unique opportunity was set before him. The Jewish leaders delivered to him the greatest teacher of truth who had ever lived on earth, Jesus Christ. Think of the questions Pilate could have asked! Think of the rich truths he could have learned! And interestingly, when they first brought Jesus before him, accused of claiming to be “the king of the Jews,” Pilate at least seemed curious:

“Are you the king of the Jews?” Pilate asked.

In responding, Jesus said: “My kingdom is no part of this world . . . For this I have been born, and for this I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth. Everyone that is on the side of the truth listens to my voice.” Here was Pilate’s golden opportunity. Before him stood a man whose life was a living testimony to the truth of God’s promises, a man willing and able to enlighten him as no other man could. Yet what was Pilate’s reply? “What is truth?” And he abruptly “went out again to the Jews.”​—John 18:33-38.

Yes, Pilate let the truth slip by.

PERHAPS Pontius Pilate realized that accepting the truth would cost him something. Becoming a follower of Christ would have meant accepting his kingship and doubtless making an abrupt about-face morally.