David
As in the boy who slew Goliath and became King and wrote psalms to God. David is introduced as a sincere believer in the all-powerful God as the ultimate God. Scriptural quotes attributed to David are presented as evidence of the author’s argument as reminds us that David believed unquestioningly in the glory and greatness of God and therefore, by association, that God is the God of salvation.
Job
The much put-upon Job is another figure from the Old Testament who plays a major role in forwarding the argument of God’s greatness. Foremost among the quotes from Job’s story is his recognition that it was God’s hand who fashioned him and it is God who can destroy him.
Pontius Pilate
The last section of the sermon deals with the final days of Jesus before the crucifixion. Much detail is given of the events with a special focus on the part played by Pontius Pilate who famous washed his hands of the whole deal. Pilate is made a focal point for the purpose of juxtaposition.
Jesus Christ
It is to Jesus that Pontius Pilate is placed in juxtaposition. Pilate took great pains to make himself as devoid of responsibility as possible. By contrast, Jesus took all the horrors being done to him with quiet acceptance. The point being that Jesus proves faith in God leads to redemption and salvation. It is better to do what Jesus did than what Pontius Pilate didn’t do.
