PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: John 19:1-11
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above.” (John 19:11)
What Jesus says here is true for all people, and for us too.
First, any authority or power we have has been given to us.
And second, whoever has authority or power over us has also been given that.
We are responsible for power and authority, and to power and authority.
This is the way God set up the world, and the reason we see both good and evil.
We see good when people use their power and authority in the world for good.
We see evil when people use their power and authority in the world for evil.
Look at the characters in this story, how did they use their power and authority?
God has given power and authority to us, but God still directs its outcome.
God is good, and evil unleashed cannot change God, or keep God from winning.
Jesus serves God and good, and refuses to use his power and authority wrongly.
As Adam, Jesus reclaims Adam’s position by fulfilling Adam’s purpose.
God has given all power and authority to him, and he now rules over all rulers.
With his help, we can use the power and authority given to us for good… will we?
PRAYER
Lord, as the powers and authorities of our world unleash harm and evil, may I stand with you in refusing to join them, and instead using it for goodness sake!
I am guilty of the greatest sins of them all! Was I not among those that put Jesus on the cross?
And yet, he died for us all. Lord help me die every day so I can start pulling my own weight.
“You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above. Therefore the one who handed me over to you is guilty of a greater sin.” I see the grace in this. Pilate was fearful to authorize Jesus’ crucifixion – especially when he was told by the leaders that Jesus claimed to be a ‘son of God’ – Pilate had a respect for what that meant. Jesus words then helped him to see that Pilate’s authority was given to him from above – to me it makes the ‘washing of hands’ ceremony he does later make sense – Jesus and Pilate then clearly put the curse of Jesus sentence of death on the people – and so by Jesus’ sacrifice we are healed once and for all – as Jesus takes the curse of death on his shoulders. Lord Jesus – what a Savior! By willingly submitting to earthly authority – you bore the sentence of death for me! You have also entrusted to me all that I have and have to ‘rule’ – help me to use all to gloryify you!
Pilate did not realize the power he had came from the Lord. And he was afraid of the people – like mob rule. He was more interested in his position than doing what is right. The chief priests also did what right in their own eyes. We/I need to do what is right in God’s eyes. Jesus did and as His follower I must need to do the same walking in His presence. This is my Father’s world and I must represent Him in all I do and say.
Stand up, stand up for Jesus,
Ye soldiers of the cross;
Lift high his royal banner,
It must not suffer loss.
From victory unto victory
His army shall he lead,
Till every foe is vanquished,
And Christ is Lord indeed.
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,
Each piece put on with prayer;
Where duty calls or danger,
Be never wanting there.