Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Where Are You From

Why would Pilate care where Jesus was from? Part of the story of the prophesied king was that he was from Bethlehem and descended from king David (John 7:41-45). Things were changing for Pilate. Suddenly there is spiritual struggle going on inside his mind. But Jesus refuses to answer Pilate's question, "Where are you from?".

In frustration Pilate declares, "Do you not know that I have the power to crucify you, and the power to release you?". Jesus' silence had brought out the very point that Jesus wanted Pilate to understand. We can see that point in Jesus's response.

"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" (John 19:11).

Jesus is not simply referring to Judas. Our sin delivered Jesus to the cross. We have no place to stand in seeing ourselves better than Pilate. We Know who Jesus is and still have at times betrayed him. Oh the wonder of the grace and forgiveness of Our Lord!