She’s known  as Claudia Procula and had a bit part in the Passion Story.  She had a disturbing dream regarding the accused blasphemer and self-professed King of the Jews.  It was real enough in her mind to go to her husband and  plead for the life of Jesus.

Matthew 27:19  Besides, while he was sitting on the judgment seat, his wife sent word to him, “Have nothing to do with that righteous man, for I have suffered much because of him today in a dream.”

I’ve had some very realistic, frightening dreams, so I can totally relate to this woman.  The vision becomes a reality for a moment and when you wake, you are convinced that your dream was true.

Does God place dreams in our minds for a purpose?  Sometimes our dreams can turn into realities if they’re within our reach.  We may set goals and then dream how to fulfill them.  Dreams can give rise to anxiety too.  Maybe something is going on in your life that you’re struggling with and you come up with a solution through a dream.  Our minds have been intricately and beautifully created.  I’m certain that the Holy Spirit works within us in many ways, and maybe even through our dreams.

Of course, Mrs. Pilate’s dream  caused her unrest, but her husband didn’t heed her warning.  His hands were tied when it came to the crowd that screamed for crucifixion.  There was nothing he could do but give in to their demands.  It was the only way to keep peace and create good will with the people.  He had no proof – no witnesses – no damning evidence, but the demands of the religious leaders was enough to convict this innocent man.

That decision, by Pilate, was part of a greater plan God intended for His Son and for all of us.  Each step towards the cross – even though filled with ugliness, cruelty, scorn, torture and pain – was paving the way for us to walk into eternity free of the weight of sin and guilt.