SCRIPTURE: John 19:1-11
“You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above.” (John 1:11)
In Genesis 1, God puts humans in charge of the world.
The kingdom of God is this world under humans submitted to God.
Anyone with a position of authority or responsibility is a God-appointed leader.
According to Genesis 1, we are to lead in a God-like way.
Jesus was a leader God-like leader: humble, faithful, just, compassionate, selfless.
Yet here He is mocked with purple robes, while Pilate is honoured?
God sees who the real God-like leaders are, whether they are honoured or not.
And one day He will hold all of us accountable for how we lived in the world.
Are you a Pilate-like leader – doing what it takes to please yourself, or the people?
Or are you a God-like, Jesus-like leader – doing what it takes to please God?
What kind of leader are you?
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, help me to be the kind of leader I want to follow. Help me to be a leader like You!
Observations/Application
The colour purple – a kingly robe and the crown – a mockery of Christ’s rule.. Pilate was a ruler and yet he was a puppet since he did not want to displease Caesar. The religious leaders had put him into a corner and he desired to save face. He lacked courage to do the right thing.
Jesus was brought to this point because even in His trial among the Pharisees, there were righteous men who did not stand up for Jesus. They too were fearful should they be put out of their position of authority and rule. Many believed in Him but they did not confess Him out of fear – to be put out of the ‘church.’
And I?
Lord, help me daily to do what is right and avoid what is evel. Help me to stand up for Jesus.
Stand up, stand up for Jesus! ye soldiers of the cross;
Lift high His royal banner, it must not suffer loss:
From vict’ry unto vict’ry, His army shall He lead,
Till every foe is vanquished, and Christ is Lord indeed.
Stand up, stand up for Jesus! The trumpet call obey:
Forth to the mighty conflict, in this His glorious day;
Ye that are men now serve Him against unnumbered foes;
Let courage rise with danger, and strength to strength oppose.
Stand up, stand up for Jesus! Stand in His strength alone,
The arm of flesh will fail you, ye dare not trust your own;
Put on the gospel armor, and watching unto prayer,
Where calls the voice of duty, be never wanting there.
Stand up, stand up for Jesus! the strife will not be long;
This day the noise of battle, the next the victor’s song;
To him that overcometh a crown of life shall be;
He with the King of glory shall reign eternally.