Reflecting on John 19:1-16“You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above.” (John 19:11)
The soldiers have authority over Jesus, and they tortured Him.
The Jewish leaders had authority over Jesus, and wanted to crucify Him.
Pilate had authority over Jesus and the people, but he wasn’t sure what to do.
Each felt they were authorized to do what they were doing.
But Jesus points the ‘authorities’ to the source of their authority – God.
When God created this world, He gave authority to humans over it.
They were authorized by God to love, to serve, to do good in a God-like way.
It was and is humans, still authorized to rule, who abuse their authority.
Like the soldiers, humans are cruel; like the Jewish leaders, humans kill and destroy.
Like Pilate, humans choose the convenient way, rather than the good or loving way.
We are authorized by God to lead, but not in any way we please.
Our authority is from God, and is meant to be used for God, for God’s will.
As Jesus followers, our ‘power from God’ is not to gain control over others.
Our position in the world is to bless and serve others, not ourselves!
We will one day have to give an account for how we used our authority in the world.
PRAYER
Lord Jesus, I do have authority and power in this world. But it is not my own to use as I see fit. It is entrusted to me to love and serve and bless others, just like You did. Help me to be a servant leader!