Devotions: Who is the authority? - John 19:8-12

Today I read John 19:8-12 and was struck by Jesus' responses to Pilate. At first he is silent. He gives no answer to the man with the political authority to put him to death. Not getting an answer from Jesus obviously frustrates Pilate, who asks a silly question to the eternal Son of God. "Why won't you speak to me? Don't you know that I have the authority to release you and the authority to have you crucified?" Silly Pilate, of course Jesus knows that. He is wearing a CROWN OF THORNS on his bleeding head. His back is STILL bleeding from the flogging he received earlier that night. Yes Pilate, Jesus knows that he is going to die and experience the weight of sin and the pain of separation from His Father. That's what he was so distressed about while praying in the garden before all this violence of his arrest and crucifixion began. But now in John 19:11 the real authority shows itself. Jesus finally answers Pilate and says, "You would not have one bit of authority over me if it were not given to you from above." From here on out Pilate seems confused. His next series of decisions are a lesson in what leaders ought not to do under pressure. And Jesus' words echo true from then to now. Read through the last few chapters of John's gospel and you'll see that Jesus is the one in authority. Sure, he dies a horrible death by crucifixion. But, listen to the authoritative words of Jesus in John 5:26-29, "For as the Father has life in himself, so he has granted the Son also to have life in himself. And he has given him authority to execute judgment, because he is the Son of Man. Do not marvel at this, for an hour is coming when all who are in the tombs will hear his voice and come out, those who have done good to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil to the resurrection of judgment." These words about Jesus' authority over his life are now proven to be true. The tomb was empty. The accounts are historically reliable and there is no other reasonable explanation. He is Risen!

Father you are the sovereign God of the universe who sent your son to suffer under Pilate and accomplish our redemption. You have now given Jesus your son all authority in heaven and earth. We repent of our abuse of authority and trust in him today. We recognize that whatever authority we have as parents, employers and leaders in your church has been granted by you. We humble ourselves and submit to your authority. Help us to exercise the authority that you give to us in ways that are not self-serving. Glorify your Son Jesus who has life in himself and authority to execute judgment. In Jesus name, Amen.