Reading
SAA Notes
John bypasses the trial before Caiaphas and concentrates on the trial before Pilate. It is good to read this passage on the passion out aloud.
SJA Notes
* Mighty God, we read Your word today – Thank You for saving us, despite our enmity with You.
“You would have no authority over me at all unless it had been given you from above.”
Well told is the story of beloved author C.S. Lewis in describing the slaying of Aslan by the man and nasty creatures, cackling and laughing as they tormented the King.
Look here in this passage. See the Jewish people who took Jesus to Pilate. See what they were about.
They would not be denied, regardless of truth or law – This threat to their power had to go!
Pilate seeks to free Jesus time and again, having some inkling that this was no ordinary situation, nor ordinary man.
Jesus speaks the truth to Pilate,
“You would have no authority over me at all unless it had been given you from above.”
It was God’s will to slay God in the Person of the Son, the Lord’s Christ.
Jesus, the Lamb slain from before the foundation of the world, went obediently and meekly to the cross. The Son submitted under the will of His Father.
We will be put into very unjust situations. There will be times when it all feels so very unfair.
It is good to remember how Jesus was treated, and how He dealt with the most outrageously unfair situation in all of history – He submitted under the will of the Father.
* Father God,
We pray that Your will would be done here on earth, as it is in heaven.
Mark us as a faithful people who humbly submit under and go about Your will for us.
Amen.