John 19:10 “Then Pilate said to Him, ‘Are You not speaking to me? Do You not know that I have power to crucify You and the power to release You?’”
Dear God,
I thank You for a new day, as well as for my life and strength. I praise Your Holy name, Creator and God of all. You gave Your dear Son to earth. At the angels instruction before He was born as a babe here, He was named Jesus. He grew up without sinning and set us free from the eventual, inevitable consequences of our sin. Now all can have hope and joy; for I know Jesus has said, He will come again for those who love Him sincerely and confess His name. I do confirm again today, that I love Jesus and confess His name.
Pilate thought he acted by his own will, and was not pleased when Jesus no longer answered him when he kept on with his questions; for which he actually did not seek answers sincerely. With no real understanding about Jesus, the man in front of him, Pilate thought to impress with his authority to crucify or release prisoners. Though not moved by Pilate, “Jesus answered, ‘you could have no power at all against Me unless it had been given to you from above. Therefore the one who delivered Me to you has the greater sin’” John 19:11. Pilate had no comprehension about Jesus being the Son of God on high; he was impacted by the words of Jesus, but lacked courage to stand out against the Jewish leaders, and went on in fear and pride to send Jesus to be crucified.
Father I am sorry for the times when I view Jesus in in a human way and frame of reference, instead of ever keeping before me in reverence and awe – that Jesus the risen One, is indeed God. He is our Lord and Saviour, and He along with His Father, loves me more than I will ever on this earth fully take in.
I ask the question, how would I treat Jesus or stand up for Him in times of severe trial or persecution? Would my character be pure and selfless if put through examination and test like that of Pilate and so many others down through countless years? For Pilate the court events revealed his weaknesses and selfishness. The opposite was true for Jesus; it even more deeply revealed His character of loving selflessness, commitment to saving the people of earth no matter the cost to Himself, meekness, tenderness and restrained power.
There is no need for fear and trepidation in serving You, for it has been proved in the lives of many of Your faithful ones as well as in the promises written in Your word, that You keep watch over us whether in life or death, and unless it would bring glory to Your name, no power could move against me (us), unless allowed by You.
Amen