Experience Easter: Joining Jesus’ JourneySample

In this painting, Koder shows Jesus standing before Pilate on His right, and the leading priest on His left. There is an interesting picture of power and authority here. Supposedly, Jesus’ fate is being decided by the powers of the day - on one side, the law of the Romans. On the other side, the religion of the Pharisees and priests.

But who has the painter portrayed to be in charge, and who looks like they are receiving judgment?

Jesus is already bleeding, yet He stands tall over these two men. Despite the fact that His hands are tied, it looks like they are the ones who are afraid, cowering before Him. He may have been silent, but in the back and forth between the courts of judgement, Jesus seems strong and unswayed, towering over them. 

The artist seems to want to show that even though Jesus is being judged, He is still in authority over His life. 

In a clever twist, it seems as if Pilate and the leading priest are the ones kneeling before Jesus instead of the other way around.

Imagine you’re in Jesus’s position.

You know who you are - the Son of God. You know where true authority lies - not in the powers of this world, but in the Spirit of God. 

Imagine you can see past the robes, the ceremony, the protocol, and the pretense into the hearts of these men.

How does that make you feel?

With the big picture in mind, how do you feel about those ropes holding your hands behind your back?

As you listen to the demands, accusations, the shouting, the roaring of the crowd, does it feel like true power?

Sometimes, we get intimidated by the systems and structures of this world. Yet, Jesus was able to hold His own in the face of injustice, and leaders whose decisions are determined by the crowd. As you step into Jesus shoes at this moment... 

Imagine yourself strengthened by the power of the Spirit. 

Imagine yourself emboldened by your identity as a child of God. 

Imagine your fear disappearing as you look past all the noise, and recognise who is truly in control. 

Prayer

Jesus, in the face of worldly power and pressure, You showed such strength. Where others looked and saw a weak, tied-up prisoner, You knew You were truly the King of Kings. Forgive me for where I have allowed this world to sweep me up in its madness, where I have allowed my identity and decisions to be influenced by the crowd. I choose to surrender my day ahead to You, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. I choose to live in the authority You give me, not to value myself by what others say or put on me. Even when it feels like my hands are tied, I will hold my head up high, because I am Yours.

Amen.