John 19

The passage of Jesus’ crucifixion is a difficult one to read and even more so, to understand and discuss. Through prayer and reading and rereading, I feel like God keeps putting Pilate on my heart. Pilate was in such a difficult position. It feels apparent that he did not believe in any way that Jesus deserved to be crucified. He tried several times to release Him and the crowd continued to press him to put Jesus to death. 

Pilate knew that if Caesar found out that he believed that Jesus was the Son of God, he himself would be demoted or put to death. Pilate was more concerned about his own position and well being than doing what was right in the eyes of God or even his own heart. The Jewish people were adamant that Jesus was not their king, but Caesar was. Pilate, in a private conversation, tried to get Jesus to tell him something that would help him to feel that he could release Him. Jesus said to him, “You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above.” (John 19:11) Jesus made sure that he understood that he only had authority because God allowed it and if He wanted a different outcome, it would happen.

We sometimes lose hope when we see all the evil prevailing around us, but God assures us “God causes all things to work together for good to those who love the Lord and are called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:28) What happened to Jesus is the ultimate example of a verse we read in Genesis. “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.” (Genesis 50:20)

It is easy to see the desire Pilate has to let Jesus go, but he cannot bring himself to do it. Whether it is selfish ambition, a fear of what the crowd might try to do to him, or just not wanting others to think differently of him. Each day we have the privilege of allowing God to lead us in all that we do. 

Will I make the time to pray and the courage to do what God has called me to do each day for Him?