Jesus Revealed Pt. 18 - Processing DeathSample

Jesus Condemned to be Crucified  

Thoughts on the Passage

Pilate got it, yet could not take the pressure. Pilate caved in under the pressure.

Pilate tries to impress Jesus with his authority, but it does not impress Jesus. Just as Jesus’ kingdom is not of this world, so Pilate’s authority is not of this world – it is given by heaven. I believe Pilate finally understood what Jesus was saying. Jesus is saying that Pilate’s authority comes from the same place where Jesus is King. That shook Pilate. 

Now Pilate has to deal with the pressure that comes from the physical realm. Caesar is the physical ruler and Pilate’s authority on earth comes from Caesar. If he appears to tolerate another king’s presence, then Caesar would remove him. Pilate chooses – Jesus is their king, not his. Jesus does not appear to carry authority in this world – so Pilate chooses to side with the physical realm rather than the spiritual realm. Jesus is handed to the Jews to be crucified.

I add the passage in Hebrews because it calls us to not allow our life in this physical realm to become greater than our commitment to the spiritual. The challenge is the same one that Pilate faced. We have need for endurance to withstand the pressures that this world applies to us. The reward for this kind of endurance is worth it.

Application

Take a moment and remember when you had to choose between the pressure you faced at work where it was costly—a commitment to obeying to Jesus. It was the same kind of choice that Pilate faced. Keep doing it! It takes endurance.

The source of authority and rule is from God – even in the physical realm. Honor God with it.

Time to Pray

Father, today I ask that You open my eyes to see how everything in this world comes under Your authority – even when it makes no sense to me. When I face a world that challenges me to compromise, help me to remember that Jesus is King. His Kingdom is not of this world, but this world gets its authority from Him. Give me a heart to follow Jesus and His teaching even when it requires endurance and sacrifice. I ask in Jesus’ name, Amen.