In this sermon Wash Basins, we read about Pilate’s trouble on Passover morning. Instead of calling on the grace of God, he merely called for the basin of water. Pilate’s wash basin was a dead failure because he was a man who proposed to wash away his guilt of sin which he does not recall and of which he does not make any repentance. Wash the hands, but more importantly wash the heart. Ceremonies may be beautiful and appropriate but if there is no power in them, nothing is gained. A series of revival services are uplifting, but if there is no power in them, nothing is gained. Dedication is wonderful, but if there is no element of sacrifice in devotion, nothing is gained. One may kneel without praying. One may bow without reverence. The wash basin leaving the room in the hands of Pilate’s servant took none of the indecision or guilt from the heart of Pilate, it was just empty ritual. Outward must be symbolic of inward. Ceremony is but the sheath to the sword, the shell of the kernel, the lamp to the flame. Wash the hands, but more importantly wash the heart.