Today's Scripture
TODAY’S READING SCHEDULE: Ezekiel 42-44; John 19:1-22
Acknowledging Authority – John 19:8-16
8 When Pilate heard this word, he was even more afraid. 9 He went back into the residence and spoke to Jesus, “Where are you from?” Jesus didn’t answer. 10 So Pilate said, “You won’t speak to me? Don’t you know that I have authority to release you and also to crucify you?”
11 Jesus replied, “You would have no authority over me if it had not been given to you from above. That’s why the one who handed me over to you has the greater sin.” 12 From that moment on, Pilate wanted to release Jesus.
However, the Jewish leaders cried out, saying, “If you release this man, you aren’t a friend of the emperor! Anyone who makes himself out to be a king opposes the emperor!”
13 When Pilate heard these words, he led Jesus out and seated him on the judge’s bench at the place called Stone Pavement (in Aramaic, Gabbatha). 14 It was about noon on the Preparation Day for the Passover. Pilate said to the Jewish leaders, “Here’s your king.”
15 The Jewish leaders cried out, “Take him away! Take him away! Crucify him!”
Pilate responded, “What? Do you want me to crucify your king?”
“We have no king except the emperor,” the chief priests answered. 16 Then Pilate handed Jesus over to be crucified.
What does this passage mean to me/us?
Sometimes we disregard the significant role of Pilate because he is a person who ordered the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. However, I see myself in Pilate.
Pilate recognizes authority. He sees the authority of Jesus Christ, which prompted him to release Jesus. He found no guilt in Jesus, and maybe some inclination to discover more about this person until the crowd confronted him. Once he heard the shouting crowd, he turns away from his acknowledgment.
Isn’t that like us, who recognize God’s authority in our lives? Hear the call of God to follow God’s way, but once we turn back to the world, we forget the acknowledgment of God’s authority. I hope this week doesn’t start that way. Instead, I pray that it will be a week following God’s authority and living out our faith, even though the world might say otherwise.
Prayer
Lord, reveal your truth in our lives. Help us to follow you ways. In Christ name we pray, Amen.
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