John 19:8-11…
Cards on the table…
When Pilate heard this statement, he was even more afraid. He was already worried, but this new revelation caused Pilate to be terrified. He knew that Jesus was innocent. He knew that he had compromised justice by scourging Him. He realized this was no ordinary criminal, but now he has to consider, was this Jesus actually divine?
Still, Pilate’s only motive was his own welfare. “Where are you from?” Pilate wanted answers, but Jesus gave him no answer (Isaiah 53:7 / 1 Peter 2:20-23). Frustrated, Pilate decided it was time to push his weight around. "You will not speak to me? Do you not know that I have authority to release you and authority to crucify you?"
Pilate tried to play the punishment card, but Jesus reminds Pilate of the ultimate source of authority (Romans 13:1). Jesus answered him, "You would have no authority over me at all unless it had been given you from above. God purpose is present even in Pilate’s posturing (Proverbs 21:1). We suppose we are in authority, but ultimately it is God who is in authority.
Therefore he who delivered me over to you has the greater sin. Pilate’s sin was great, but the greater sin belonged to the religious leaders, who sinned against the Scriptures they claimed to believe and the light God had given as they heard Christ speak (Luke 12:47-48).
Here is where you should ask yourself, “what am I doing with the Light I have been given?”
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