Begin with 2 minutes of silence and stillness before God.

Yesterday, we read John 18 and took a closer look at Jesus' arrest. Even at that moment, we still witness His power on display. At the end of Chapter 18, Jesus is standing trial before Pilate. Pilate was a Roman Governor who was in charge of Judea (the region where Jerusalem was located). Pilate knows what is going on and knew that the religious leaders wanted him to act as their executioner – that permission to put Jesus to death had to come from a Roman leader. Pilate tried his best to let everyone else decide for him what to do with Jesus. Finally, Pilate succumbs to the crowd, and we pick up in John 19, when Pilates orders Jesus to be flogged.

Jesus has been flogged, beaten, and mocked, and had a crown of thorns placed on His head. Pilate questions Jesus again, but Jesus gives him no answer. “Don’t you realize I have power either to free you or to crucify you?” (v. 10) Check out the response that Jesus gives.

“You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above. Therefore the one who handed me over to you is guilty of a greater sin.”

Jesus reminds Pilate that the authority he has comes from God. Pilate then tries to set Jesus free, but scripture says that the Jewish leaders continued shouting at him telling him that if he let Jesus go that he was “no friend” of Caesar. You see, Jesus had reminded Pilate that his authority came from God. The crowds were telling Pilate that his authority came from them, the people.

The reality is that we are no different than Pilate. We have been given power and authority to overcome sinful temptations in our life. We know this to be true, but we don’t always walk in that authority. Just like Pilate when he was reminded of where his authority came from and was unable to walk in it because he began to fear people! He gave in to the pressures of the crowd. Sound familiar?

Just like in chapter 18, when Jesus was in control while He was being arrested, it is so cool to me to see how throughout His trial with Pilate, Jesus was still in control. Jesus remained composed and unmoved. He knew the truth, He knew God’s plan, and He knew the reason for His trial. It really ends up being Pilate and the religious leaders who are on trial, not Jesus. Because Jesus was and is always in control!!

Take 2 minutes to reflect in silence.

Reflection:

• Is control something that you struggle with? Do you often wish you could control your circumstances? Let the Lord take that pressure off of you, because ultimately, He is really in control!
• Today, thank God for being in sovereign control over your life.

Family Devo: John 19

By: Amanda Carpenter

“It is finished” (John 19:30).

It’s a short scripture. It’s easy to read quickly. It’s easy to skip over, BUT DON’T MISS IT! This short little verse tells us why Jesus came, how much He loves us, and the incredible gift He gives us. This verse is one word in the Greek language, “tetelestai.” This was Jesus’ last word before He “bowed His head and gave up His Spirit.” At this moment, Jesus took on the sins of the world…all the things we have done and will do that separate us from Him. You and I both know that this was not the end, but only the beginning. If you choose to follow Jesus and accept the gift of forgiveness He gave when He died on the cross, you can spend eternity with the Lord.

• Do you accept the gift of forgiveness that Jesus gave you? Would you like to have a relationship with Jesus? Your KXP team would love to talk with you about this.
• Take some time to read other scriptures in the Bible that tell you about having a relationship with Jesus: John 3:16, John 14:6, Romans 10:9
• Prayer: Lord, thank You for Your grace and mercy. You suffered and paid for our mistakes and sins so that we can live with You forever in Heaven. Help us to know, love, and follow You. Amen.