Jesus is Essential
John 19:10–11: Then Pilate said to Him, “Are You not speaking to me? Do You not know that I have power to crucify You, and power to release You?” Jesus answered, “You could have no power at all against Me unless it had been given you from above. Therefore the one who delivered Me to you has the greater sin.”
Fear and anger often go together. When we are afraid we are weak, we go the other extreme and try to appear strong. This is what Pilate did as he reminded Jesus of his Roman authority. But his statement did not demonstrate his power; it demonstrated his weakness. For if he had the authority to release Jesus, why did he not do it? He condemned himself with his own boastful words. Jesus was able to surrender to Rome and the Jews because He was first of all yielded to God.
Pilate was boasting about his authority, but Jesus reminded him that his so-called authority was only delegated to him from God. One day God would call him to account for the way he had used his privileges and responsibilities. Caiaphas knew the Scriptures and had been given every opportunity to examine the evidence. He had willfully closed his eyes and hardened his heart. He had seen to it that Jesus was not given a fair trial. Therefore, it was Caiaphas, not Pilate, who had the greater sin. 1
Walking with Jesus
The sooner we learn how powerless we are, the better off we will be. Remember, we owe our very breath to Him. He can cut our oxen off at any time. Today, being unthankful is a serious sin. Express your thanksgiving now, even in your pain. He is our hope.
Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin. James 4:17
Let His peace deliver you from anger that may be deeply rooted in fear.
Praying
Lord, thank You for the gift of Your gracious power through the Holy Spirit, everyday.
1. Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary. Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
